Albert Park and Durban Beachfront set up as cup final fan parks
Football fans are expected to flock into the Durban CBD on Saturday for the Soweto derby in the Nedbank Cup final. Albert Park and the Durban Beachfront are being set up with big screens for soccer fans to gather and watch the beautiful game.
PREVIOUSLY overrun with homeless people living there, Albert Park in the Durban CBD is being transformed into one of the fan parks that will be open to scores of spectators and soccer lovers who will be out and about in eThekwini for the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, May 10.
Two free to enter venues, with big screens, will be set up in Durban to view the final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the other site will be at Durban Beachfront. She said, “The two fan parks, which will open at 12h00, are set to bring an unmatched atmosphere, action and an electrifying mood for the Soweto derby. There will be tight security, entertainment and family-friendly activities during the live broadcast at the fan parks,” said Sisilana.
Her sentiments were shared by eThekwini Municipality executive director for Community and Emergency Services, Dr Vusi Mazibuko, who said, “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, where 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.”
Also Read: Safety fears ahead of Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Albert Park was recently cleared of approximately 400 homeless people in an Integrated Clean-up Operation in partnership with multiple stakeholders, including Ward 32 councillor Portas Mngonyama, Metro Police Units, Parks Department, Ensure Ubuntu, and CSW on April 29. This morning, the mayor and members of the community rolled up their sleeves to clean the park ahead of the big day.
The area around the Moses Mabhida Stadium Precinct is also receiving extra attention with the city being gripped by football fever. As of Thursday, April, 22 beaches around eThekwini were opened for bathing, along with most swimming pools, including South Beach, Rachel Finlayson and Laguna Paddling.
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