The City of Mbombela, which last hosted a DStv Premiership cup final over a decade ago, is all set for next weekend’s long-awaited Nedbank Cup final.
Reigning champions Orlando Pirates will take up arms to defend their title against the recently crowned DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, in what will be a gladiatorial clash between two titans.
The clash is set for 3pm at the Mbombela Stadium next Saturday. Such has been the excitement in this clash that tickets got sold out within four hours.
Even accommodation in the sub-tropical Lowveld city is fully booked with a week to go before the clash.
Mbombela municipal mana-ger Wiseman Khumalo believes this will be a special occasion for the province since they last hosted the final over a decade ago.
“The Nedbank Cup final is an iconic event and the fact that two football giants Sundowns and Pirates will be facing each other here, makes it so much more special for us as a province,” Khumalo told Sunday World.
“So, the Mpumalanga province and Mbombela city are delighted that the event was awarded to Mbombela Stadium. We last hosted the Nedbank Cup final back in 2011 and it’s a privilege to host it once again.”
For any province hosting an event of this magnitude will benefit many local businesses and hotels and see an increase in sales as people from all corners of the country gather in one vicinity.
Khumalo has since confirmed that accommodation around the area for that weekend is fully booked.
“Sport tourism is an important contributor to local economic development and the event will be injecting substantial capital into the local economy,” he said.
“Restaurants, filling stations and many other small businesses will all be benefiting from the event.
“Such an event obviously requires detailed planning, and various teams have been -working tirelessly to ensure the event is a success.
“The stadium, including all hospitality areas, have been fully sold out.
“The safety of spectators and convenience of entering and leaving the stadium are critically important,” Khumalo added.
As far as law and order is concerned, Khumalo said law enforcement will be out in full force and that there will be zero tolerance of lawlessness and criminal activities.
With the kick-off scheduled for 3pm and the gates set to be opened at 11am, spectators are urged to make their way to the stadium early to prevent last-minute traffic congestion.
Upon arrival, all spectators will be referred to the park-and-ride pick-up points.
The following pick-up points will be operational: Nelspruit Hoërskool; Nelspruit Laerskool; Bergvlam Hoërskool; Lowveld High School; Valencia Sports field; Fresh Produce Market; Riverside Mall and Government Complex.
