The biggest night of the 2026 MTN8 is almost here, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns set to meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October, with the prestigious trophy on the line.

For thousands of supporters, matchday will be about more than the action on the pitch. Getting to the stadium safely, arriving on time, passing security checks, finding the correct seating area and planning the journey home will all be important.

The final is officially sold out, with stadium gates scheduled to open at 14:00, four hours before the 18:00 kick-off. With supporters expected to travel from across South Africa, planning ahead will be essential.

Matchday at a Glance

Match: Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Competition: 2026 MTN8 Final
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 18:00
Stadium gates: 14:00
Ticket status: Sold out
Broadcast: SABC 1 and SuperSport PSL, Channel 202
Official Public Viewing: Bay of Plenty, Durban Beachfront
Public Viewing entry: Free
Public Viewing gates: 12:00
Public Viewing capacity: Up to 5,000 people
Public Viewing closure: 22:00

The Premier Soccer League has confirmed the final is sold out and has encouraged ticket holders to arrive early because of expected crowds and security procedures.

1. Know Exactly Where You Are Going

Moses Mabhida Stadium is located at 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill, Durban, and has a listed capacity of 56,000.

With the final sold out, significant activity is expected around the stadium precinct. Supporters travelling from outside Durban should plan their route before leaving home and allow extra time for traffic, parking, walking and security checks.

2. Kick-Off Is at 18:00

The final is scheduled to begin at 18:00, but supporters should not plan to arrive shortly before kick-off. The gates open at 14:00, giving fans a four-hour window to enter the stadium, find their seats and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere without rushing.

3. Your Digital Ticket Is Your Key to the Stadium

One of the most important matchday requirements is having your valid digital ticket ready before travelling.

Supporters should download or save their ticket through the appropriate ticketing system before leaving home. Screenshots will not be accepted and printed tickets will not be accepted.

Every person entering the stadium, including children, must have a valid ticket.

Before leaving home:

• Make sure your ticket is available on your phone.
• Ensure your phone has enough battery.
• Keep the ticket easily accessible.
• Do not rely on a screenshot.
• Do not print the ticket expecting it to be accepted.
• Ensure every member of your group has a valid ticket.

4. Do Not Buy a Ticket at the Stadium

There will be no ticket sales at Moses Mabhida Stadium because the final is sold out.

Supporters should also avoid unauthorised ticket sellers. A ticket shown on someone’s phone does not automatically mean it is legitimate or valid for entry.

5. What Should You Carry?

The safest approach is to travel light. Supporters should bring their mobile phone with their valid digital ticket, identification and essential personal documents, money or an appropriate payment method, necessary medication and weather-appropriate clothing.

Avoid unnecessary bags and large belongings. Stadium regulations allow security personnel to inspect belongings and search patrons. Refusing an inspection or search can result in denial of entry.

6. Know What You Cannot Take Inside

Moses Mabhida Stadium has strict regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items. These include weapons, alcohol, narcotics, glass containers, cans, fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, dangerous chemicals, self-defence sprays, cooking equipment, lasers and certain recording equipment.

Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other potentially dangerous or large objects may also be restricted.

Supporters should also be careful with banners and flags. Offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, discriminatory or inflammatory material can be prohibited.

If you are unsure whether an item is permitted, leave it at home.

7. Be Careful With Food and Drinks

Stadium entry regulations generally prohibit food and beverages purchased outside the venue. Exceptions may apply to items required for special dietary needs, subject to applicable restrictions.

Do not assume that normal drinks, bottles or containers will be permitted through the gates.

8. Security Checks Are Part of Matchday

Major football finals require extensive security operations. Supporters should follow instructions from security officials, cooperate during searches, keep belongings secure, avoid confrontations, remain in designated areas and report suspicious behaviour.

Families should also keep children and members of their group close throughout the day.

The objective is simple: enjoy the football and get home safely.

9. Plan Your Transport Before Matchday

The eThekwini Municipality has encouraged supporters travelling to Durban to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible. The City is working with the PSL, stadium management, law enforcement, emergency services and other stakeholders on matchday arrangements.

With the final sold out and supporters travelling from different parts of the country, transport planning will be particularly important.

If you are driving, do not assume that convenient parking will be available immediately next to the stadium. If you are using public transport, plan your return journey as carefully as your trip to Durban.

10. If You Are Driving to Durban

Leave early and allow additional time for congestion around the stadium.

Your journey should account for traffic, finding legal parking, walking from your vehicle, security checks, entering the stadium and locating your seating section.

Most importantly, do not drink and drive. If you plan to consume alcohol before or after the match, arrange a sober driver or use a safe transport option.

11. Parking: Do Not Leave It Until the Last Minute

Parking can become difficult around major stadium events, particularly when a venue is sold out.

Use authorised parking areas and follow instructions from traffic officials. Do not park illegally, block access routes or interfere with emergency services.

If travelling in a group, agree on a meeting point in case mobile networks become congested or members become separated.

The safest strategy is to park legally, arrive early and walk to the stadium rather than searching for the closest possible parking space.

12. Public Transport May Be the Smarter Option

Supporters travelling to Durban without their own vehicles may find public transport a useful alternative to dealing with parking.

However, do not only plan how you will reach Moses Mabhida Stadium. Think about how you will get home after the final, particularly if the match goes to extra time or penalties.

Your transport plan should account for the possibility of the match continuing beyond 90 minutes.

13. Arrive Early

This is perhaps the most important advice for matchday.

Do not aim to arrive shortly before kick-off. The gates open at 14:00, giving supporters plenty of time to enter.

Arriving early allows you to deal with traffic, find parking, complete security checks, resolve potential ticket problems, locate your entrance and seat, use stadium facilities and enjoy the build-up.

The PSL has also urged ticket holders to arrive early.

14. Follow the Stadium Signs

Once inside, follow the stadium signage and instructions from staff. Your ticket contains information to help you locate your seating area.

Supporters should remain in their allocated seats and avoid occupying another person’s seat. Families attending with children or elderly relatives should keep their group together as much as possible.

15. Keep Your Belongings Secure

Large crowds can make it easier for belongings to become lost or misplaced. Keep your phone, wallet, keys and valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

If you lose something, report it to stadium officials as soon as possible. Supporters should also remember that personal belongings are brought onto the premises at their own risk.

16. Respect Both Sets of Supporters

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have passionate supporters across South Africa, and that atmosphere is part of what makes the MTN8 Final special.

Support your team passionately without provoking rival supporters. Do not fight, throw objects, damage property or use racist, discriminatory or offensive language.

Moses Mabhida Stadium maintains a zero-tolerance approach to violence, and people involved in fighting may be removed and handed over to authorities.

17. What If You Do Not Have a Ticket?

There is an official alternative for supporters who missed out on tickets.

The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed a free Public Viewing Area at Bay of Plenty Marine Parade on the Durban beachfront for Saturday’s final.

Public Viewing Area: Bay of Plenty Marine Parade, Durban Beachfront
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Entry: Free
Gates open: 12:00
Kick-off: 18:00
Capacity: Up to 5,000 spectators
Closure: 22:00

The City says the public viewing area will also feature live entertainment throughout the day.

This provides an option for supporters who travelled to Durban but could not secure tickets for the sold-out stadium.

18. The Public Viewing Area Is Not the Stadium

Supporters without stadium tickets should not travel to Moses Mabhida Stadium expecting to enter or watch the match from inside.

The final is sold out and there will be no stadium ticket sales.

Instead, supporters without tickets can make use of the official Bay of Plenty Public Viewing Area, which offers a free alternative and the opportunity to experience the final alongside fellow football fans.

19. Expect a Major Football Atmosphere

The final is expected to bring supporters from across South Africa to Durban, creating increased activity around tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and entertainment.

Supporters travelling from outside the city should expect Durban to be busy and make accommodation and transport arrangements as early as possible.

20. Think About the Journey Home Before the Match Begins

Getting home is just as important as getting to the stadium.

Before entering, know where your vehicle is parked, which transport service you are using, where your group will meet and what you will do if your phone battery becomes low.

Have a backup plan in case your original transport arrangement changes.

Remember that the final could extend beyond 90 minutes. If the teams cannot be separated after regulation time, extra time and potentially penalties could follow.

21. Respect the City

Durban is hosting one of South Africa’s major football occasions, and supporters can contribute to a successful event by respecting residents, businesses, public spaces and fellow visitors.

Dispose of rubbish responsibly, respect queues, follow traffic instructions, use designated pedestrian routes and avoid damaging public or private property.

A great football final should leave behind great memories, not unnecessary problems.

22. Final Matchday Checklist

Before leaving for Moses Mabhida Stadium, ask yourself:

Do I have my valid digital ticket?
Is it downloaded and ready on my phone?
Is my phone sufficiently charged?
Have I checked my route?
Do I know where I am parking or which public transport I am using?
Have I allowed enough time for traffic and security?
Have I checked which items are permitted inside?
Do I have a plan for getting home?

If the answer is yes to all of these, you are in a much better position for a smooth matchday experience.

One Final Reminder for Pirates and Sundowns Supporters

The 2026 MTN8 Final is more than a football match. It is a major sporting occasion bringing two of South Africa’s biggest clubs together at one of the country’s most recognisable stadiums.

Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, while Sundowns are aiming to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2021.

The final is sold out. The gates open at 14:00. Kick-off is at 18:00. For supporters without tickets, the official Bay of Plenty Public Viewing Area provides a free alternative.

Plan ahead, arrive early, follow the rules and enjoy the occasion.

Support your team. Respect the game. Look after one another.

Then let the football decide who lifts the MTN8 trophy.

ONE STADIUM. TWO GIANTS. ONE TROPHY. 90 MINUTES TO GLORY.

Important Official Information

For the latest stadium instructions and any matchday operational changes, supporters should follow official updates from the Premier Soccer League, Moses Mabhida Stadium and eThekwini Municipality.