Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban has been selected to host the 2026 MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. It adds another chapter to its remarkable history with the tournament.
Since the competition was rebranded as the MTN8 in 2008, the iconic Durban venue has hosted or been selected to host 11 of the 19 finals. That makes Moses Mabhida Stadium comfortably the most-used venue for the MTN8 showpiece.
MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM DOMINATES
The stadium first hosted an MTN8 final in 2010, when Orlando Pirates defeated Moroka Swallows. Since then, Moses Mabhida Stadium has regularly been chosen for some of the biggest matches on the South African football calendar.
The venue has hosted finals in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2026.
The return to Durban means more than half of all MTN8 finals in the competition’s history have been played at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The venue also played host to a remarkable run of consecutive finals between 2020 and 2024. Orlando Pirates featured prominently during that period.
The Buccaneers won the MTN8 in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, with the Durban venue staging several of those memorable occasions.
The 2025 final moved to Mbombela Stadium. Orlando Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time to win a record fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
Now the competition returns to Durban.
MTN8 FINAL VENUES
Moses Mabhida Stadium’s dominance becomes even clearer when the other venues are considered.
- Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban: 11 finals
- Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg: 3 finals
- Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit: 2 finals
- Kings Park Stadium, Durban: 1 final
- FNB Stadium, Johannesburg: 1 final
- Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha: 1 final
The 2026 final will therefore be the 11th MTN8 showpiece staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The venue has become a familiar destination for supporters from across the country, particularly when the biggest clubs in Gauteng are involved.
This year’s final promises another huge occasion, with Orlando Pirates entering the match as the home team against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates will be looking to continue their remarkable MTN8 dominance. Sundowns will be chasing their first title in the competition since 2021. The latest chapter will be written at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October, with kick-off at 18:00.
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