DURBAN authorities say it's all systems go for today's MTN8 cup final featuring Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sowetan found the field in perfect condition as final touches were being made on Wednesday.
And the excitement was palpable.
Workers Sifiso Mathe and Simphiwe Maphalala, both Amakhosi supporters, were tidying up the seats at the sold-out venue.
"We'll be working and watching the match when we can," Maphalala said.
Stadium spokeswoman Lara McLeod said it felt "fantastic" for Durban to host the Soweto derby.
She said the economic effect for Durban is expected to be massive, with a R1.8-million net profit projected for the stadium and R68-million for the city.
"This is the seventh final we have hosted since 2010 and we have a proven track record in delivering consistently.
"Ticket sales for this match made history, selling out in under three hours. 54000 [people] are expected on Saturday," she said.
According to McLeod, 40% of tickets sold were bought by Durbanites, 30% by people from the rest of KZN, and 22% by fans outside the province.
Durban is known as South Africa's playground and McLeod promised that the host venue would live up to the reputation.
"The pitch is being tended minute to minute to ensure a great playing surface," she said.
The black market is also in overdrive, with reports of people selling fraudulent tickets for R600, a challenge the stadium management finds difficult to deal with.
"The [ticket] fraud is difficult to track down and deal with in this digital age, but the best thing to do is report any such incident to police."
PSL safety and security head Phillip Masimong has already said those found with fraudulent tickets would be arrested .
EThekwini metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said all plans and logistics were in place.
Bheko Madlala, spokesman for the department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, said the city could not have asked for a better platform to boost its tourism fortunes.
"We are expecting about 700 customers," said Sandile Zwane, manager of the plush One and Only shisanyama in KwaMashu.
The venue has an after party planned, after screening the match on projector screens.
Zwane, a Chiefs fan, predicted a 2-0 win for his team. "Durban people love Chiefs. Only Joburgers are crazy about Pirates," he said.
Macco Cele, also of KwaMashu, said: "This [Durban] is where Pirates' voodoo is. We [Chiefs] are used to lifting cups here."
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Durban ready, eager - City to coin it as proud hosts of the Soweto derby
DURBAN authorities say it's all systems go for today's MTN8 cup final featuring Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sowetan found the field in perfect condition as final touches were being made on Wednesday.
And the excitement was palpable.
Workers Sifiso Mathe and Simphiwe Maphalala, both Amakhosi supporters, were tidying up the seats at the sold-out venue.
"We'll be working and watching the match when we can," Maphalala said.
Stadium spokeswoman Lara McLeod said it felt "fantastic" for Durban to host the Soweto derby.
She said the economic effect for Durban is expected to be massive, with a R1.8-million net profit projected for the stadium and R68-million for the city.
"This is the seventh final we have hosted since 2010 and we have a proven track record in delivering consistently.
"Ticket sales for this match made history, selling out in under three hours. 54000 [people] are expected on Saturday," she said.
According to McLeod, 40% of tickets sold were bought by Durbanites, 30% by people from the rest of KZN, and 22% by fans outside the province.
Durban is known as South Africa's playground and McLeod promised that the host venue would live up to the reputation.
"The pitch is being tended minute to minute to ensure a great playing surface," she said.
The black market is also in overdrive, with reports of people selling fraudulent tickets for R600, a challenge the stadium management finds difficult to deal with.
"The [ticket] fraud is difficult to track down and deal with in this digital age, but the best thing to do is report any such incident to police."
PSL safety and security head Phillip Masimong has already said those found with fraudulent tickets would be arrested .
EThekwini metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said all plans and logistics were in place.
Bheko Madlala, spokesman for the department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, said the city could not have asked for a better platform to boost its tourism fortunes.
"We are expecting about 700 customers," said Sandile Zwane, manager of the plush One and Only shisanyama in KwaMashu.
The venue has an after party planned, after screening the match on projector screens.
Zwane, a Chiefs fan, predicted a 2-0 win for his team. "Durban people love Chiefs. Only Joburgers are crazy about Pirates," he said.
Macco Cele, also of KwaMashu, said: "This [Durban] is where Pirates' voodoo is. We [Chiefs] are used to lifting cups here."
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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