The Nedbank Cup final game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates has brought in an unexpected boom, mainly for small businesses in Durban, despite limited tickets being sold.
The game has to be played on Saturday from 3.30pm is a rare one, as games between the Soweto giants are always played at FNB Stadium, which has a capacity of 94 736 seats.
Early this week, thousands of soccer fanatics crammed ticket shops and online platforms to buy tickets. However, only 40 000 tickets were sold, and parts of the 56 000 seats in Moses Mabhida Stadium in the city are being renovated.
The limited sale of tickets opened a gap for township businesses to cash in from the bonanza. Most shisanyama have since pitched mini-fan parks to offer a stadium atmosphere to fans.
Economic spin for local businesses
One of the places having such an offering is Mahobza Car Wash and Shisanyama in KwaMashu, north of Durban. The owner of the shisanyama, Mahobza Dube, said they have decided to use their lawns to mount a huge screen for the game. Their doors will open at 11am.
“I am glad that there is an economic spin for us in the township as well. We can assure soccer lovers that their cars will be safe. And they will also be safe while enjoying the game with us. We would like to ask them to bring their camp chairs as we anticipate a huge crowd. In terms of food and drinks, they should not worry. We will sell them from the venue,” Dube told Sunday World.
Dube’s place is not the only one offering a similar experience in the township. Almost a kilometer away from Mahobza’s venue, is Wiseman Carwash. The business is owned by businesswoman Phumzile Cele and located at G section. It is offering the same experience. Another popular hangout in the same township, Mkhize Rooftop, is offering the same.
It is the same case with hangout spots like Maxi Lifestyle in Umlazi, Mojos in Chesterville and Sbu’s Lounge in Inanda township.
Fan parks all around KZN
The biggest winners from the main fan park in Albert Park in central Durban would be street vendors. The revamped park will have a big screen to cater to residents and visitors. Vendors have been granted permission by the eThekwini municipality to sell food. However, alcohol sales are not permitted, except in nearby liquor outlets, such as the popular Joe’s Tavern.
The municipality said Albert Park and Durban beachfront are the city’s official fan parks. At these venues, soccer spectators are expected to feel the ultimate game day vibes. The two fan parks are set to bring an unmatched atmosphere, action, and an electrifying mood for the Soweto derby. They will open at 12pm.
There will be tight security, entertainment, and family-friendly activities during the live broadcast at the fan parks.
The eThekwini Municipality’s executive director for Community and Emergency Services, Dr Vusi Mazibuko, confirmed the arrangements. “Those who do not have tickets to watch the final game at the stadium can still have loads of fun watching the match at the fan parks. They can enjoy a safe, outdoor, family-friendly and free viewing with friends and hundreds of other football enthusiasts. Both fan parks promise football lovers a match-like atmosphere.”
Hotels fully booked
Despite the ticket glitches, all accommodation establishments are fully booked. From high-end hotels to budget hostels. Some soccer fans flocked to the city despite not having tickets. They were hoping that a miracle would happen and they would get access to the stadium.
One group of Pirates fans said they travelled from Parys in the Free State to Durban. They said not all of them have tickets to get to the stadium.
Durban Tourism, the tourism wing of the city of Durban, has its hands full. The entity would release the results of the economic impact of having the game in the city at a later stage. Its statistics officers are on the ground collecting information.
Zulu king will not attend
Meanwhile, the private office of King Misuzulu has announced that the Zulu King would no longer attend the game, citing lack of coordination. The cancellation was communicated to the PSL via a letter dated May 9 2025.
“Royal engagements of this nature require a clear line of coordination and confirmation. This to allow for the necessary administrative, security, and ceremonial preparations. Given the absence of a formal response or acknowledgement from your office, the Private Office has assessed that adequate time no longer remains to implement the required protocols and logistics to the standard expected of a royal appearance at a public event of this scale,” reads the letter.
