Mpumalanga ready to host MTN8 Cup final match

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe & Kopano Dibakwane

Mpumalanga is gearing up to welcome supporters and spectators from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, as well as neighbouring countries of Mozambique and Swaziland, for the highly-anticipated MTN8 final match between defending champions Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC on Saturday 13 September 2025, at the iconic Mbombela stadium.

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has urged supporters to arrive on time for the upcoming match, as a way to ensure that the planned activities on the day run smoothly.

“ We want to request that supporters must arrive on time, especially those who want to park around the stadium, they must be here by 16:00, because we’ll be taking control of the routes leading to the stadium,” he said.

Ndlovu said both teams are set to arrive at 16:30, and he emphasised the importance of good behaviour during the match. He assured that the province has learned from past experiences and is well-prepared to host and manage the match in order to avoid hiccups such as traffic congestion.

“ I know that there are those who don’t believe that we can be able to manage a match of this magnitude. We’ve consolidated all the plans into one plan, to make sure that getting in and out of the stadium will be easy. Come to the stadium and enjoy African flair that is going to be displayed by our boys. The two teams have indicated that they are ready,” said Premier Ndlovu.

Speaking on behalf of the main sponsor of the tournament, MTN, Bongani Ntshingila echoed Premeir Ndlovu’s plea for supporters to come into the stadium early. He said MTN has organised a lineup of great entertainers dedicated to the supporters.

“Currently we are embarking on a provincial roadshow with our media, and our regional colleagues. We are doing activations across Mbombela, White River, Kabokweni, Tonga, Emalahleni, KwaMhlanga, and we are going as far as Bethal to create excitement as we build up to this wonderful match,” he said.

According to Ntshingila, the remaining tickets will be given away during the activation and no tickets will sold at the stadium on the day of the match.

“ We must make it clear that we are not selling tickets. They can also look towards our social media platforms MTNSA on Facebook and MTNZA on X and TikTok to have more information about the activations we are having. We are very excited about what will be happening on Saturday.

“ There’s local talent that we’ve arranged a DJ segment to be led by Mörda, alongside CJ Keys vs DJ ID from Mbombela, and Sjava will be headlining the opening ceremony. The MC for the day is the legendary Putco Mafani, and we have local acts such as DJ Cj Keys who are coming from Mbombela,” said Ntshingila.

PARK AND RIDE LOCATIONS:

Showgrounds – View on Google Maps

Hoërskool Bergvlam – View on Google Maps

Lowveld High School – View on Google Maps

Riverside Government Complex – View on Google Maps