Durban City manager Musa Mbhele has dismissed allegations that eThekwini Municipality bribed officials to secure cup finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The stadium was on Monday awarded the right to host the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.
It will be the 10th time Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted the Wafa Wafa final since becoming a domestic football venue following the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture will be a repeat of the 2023/24 MTN8 final, when Pirates beat Sundowns on penalties.
While Moses Mabhida has hosted more MTN8 finals than any other venue during this period, it did not stage a cup final last season.
Mbhele, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and Executive Director of Community Services Vusi Mazibuko addressed the media at the stadium on Tuesday amid questions around how Durban repeatedly secures major football events.
Mbhele rejected suggestions that the municipality pays to secure finals, insisting Durban’s appeal as a tourism destination and the atmosphere at the stadium are behind the decisions.
“We are not — and I may sound arrogant, but it is the only way I can express it—so desperate to boost tourism that we would resort to unethical actions like that,” said Mbhele.
“We are one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, and people love Durban. Under the leadership of the Mayor, we are ensuring that we strengthen our brand. Having a major event like the one on October 5 adds momentum and encourages people to visit.”
Mbhele also insisted that the municipality does not pay to host major football matches, arguing that Durban offers commercial value to organisers.
“We do not pay to host these matches. People choose Durban because of the electric atmosphere here. We are the destination of choice, and MTN knows their brand will thrive when marketing here. We also boast one of the largest metro capacities for hotel accommodation and beaches.”
The MTN8 final between Pirates and Sundowns will once again bring two of South Africa’s biggest clubs to Durban, with Moses Mabhida Stadium preparing to host its 10th final of the competition.
