With the highly anticipated MTN8 final set to ignite Mbombela Stadium on September 13, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is advising soccer fans to plan their trips well in advance.

The blockbuster clash between giants Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch has already seen tickets sell out within hours, highlighting the immense demand and excitement surrounding the event. The 40 000-seat stadium is expected to be at full capacity, drawing supporters from across the country.

According to Simphiwe Shungube, the MTPA’s spokesperson, the influx of fans not only promises a vibrant atmosphere but also presents a significant boost for the province’s tourism sector.

ALSO READ: Nedbank Cup trophy remains in Soweto after Pirates triumph

“Mpumalanga is a beautiful province with so many attraction centres. We want to make a call to all sports lovers and sports tourists who will be in the ‘place of the rising sun’ during this tournament to make their accommodation bookings on time to avoid disappointment,” Shungube said.

He added that the MTPA team would be on standby to assist visitors in finding accommodation. “This year’s final is not just a game; it is an opportunity for visitors to experience the best of what Mpumalanga has to offer. The MTPA is working with tour operators to offer packages that encourage fans to extend their stay and explore the region’s scenic beauty and wildlife,” he said.

Shungube emphasised that early bookings would help fans plan their visit properly and make the most of their time in the province.

Gates at the stadium open at 14:00 on match day and free early-bird parking will be available at the stadium for spectators from 11:00 to 15:00, after which Samora Machel Drive will be closed. Park-and-ride services will also operate from 13:00 to 22:00.

Pick-up and drop-off points for the park-and-ride will be at the Fresh Produce Market (on the R37), the Riverside Government Complex adjacent to Riverside Mall, the old showgrounds, as well as Hoërskool Bergvlam and Lowveld High. The park-and-ride is a free service available to everybody with a valid ticket to the match.

After Samora Machel Drive closes at 15:00 (between Graniet Street and the N4-Mataffin split), only park-and-ride users and vehicle access pass holders will be permitted into the stadium precinct. Following the match, park-and-ride services will follow a circular route, servicing all park-and-ride venues in the sector.

This weekend will mark only the second time that Mbombela has hosted an MTN8 final and the first time since 2016. Mbombela Stadium has, however, hosted other Premier Soccer League (PSL) cup finals – the 2011 Nedbank Cup final, 2013 Telkom Knockout final and most recently the 2024 Nedbank Cup final.

Pirates have played in three of the four finals in Mbombela, winning two of these. Stellenbosch, on the other hand, are yet to play in a PSL cup final at Mbombela Stadium.

Head to head, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch can hardly be separated, as they have both won four games each and drawn two games in the last 10 meetings between the two teams. The only other time these two sides have ever met in a final was the 2024 MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium which Orlando Pirates won 3-1.

Last year’s MTN8 final triumph meant Orlando Pirates became the first-ever team to win three consecutive MTN8 titles, and should they win this weekend’s final, they’ll become the first-ever team to win it four times in a row.

The Buccaneers will have an additional mental advantage in that they have already beaten Stellenbosch once this season, in a Betway Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on August 20. But, clashes between these two teams always offer up something for spectators to enjoy, as the last 10 matches have only yielded an average of 2.2 goals per game. This sets the stage for what is likely to be an almighty tough game this Saturday, which kicks off at 18:00.