The CAF Champions League final is turning Pretoria into one of Africa’s biggest football destinations this weekend as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to host Morocco’s AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. But for Gauteng tourism authorities, the event represents more than just football. It is part of a broader #SportingGP strategy aimed at positioning the province as Africa’s leading sports tourism and lifestyle destination.
Thousands of supporters are expected to travel into Tshwane for the first leg of the continental final on Sunday, 17 May, with PRASA and Gautrain transport systems expected to play a central role in moving fans into the city. Tourism officials say the event is also designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay beyond matchday through the province’s “Stay for Another Day” tourism campaign.
Industry stakeholders say major sporting events continue contributing to Gauteng’s visitor economy by driving hotel occupancy, restaurant spending, nightlife activity and township tourism experiences across the province.
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Gauteng Positions Itself as Africa’s Sports Tourism Hub
The CAF Champions League final forms part of Gauteng’s growing sports tourism strategy under the #SportingGP banner.
Provincial tourism authorities say major sporting events help position Gauteng as:
- Africa’s sports entertainment capital
- A destination for sport and lifestyle tourism
- A business and leisure travel hub
- A gateway for international visitors
The province continues hosting some of the continent’s largest sporting events at stadiums including:
- Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- FNB Stadium
- Orlando Stadium
- Wanderers Stadium
Tourism officials say sport remains one of the province’s strongest tourism drivers because it connects entertainment, hospitality, culture and urban experiences.
CAF Final Expected to Benefit Gauteng’s Economy
Tourism and hospitality groups say the CAF final is expected to generate economic activity across Tshwane and Johannesburg.
Industry stakeholders expect increased spending on:
- Hotels and accommodation
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Ride-hailing and transport services
- Township tourism
- Informal trading around stadium precincts
- Food vendors and small businesses
Tourism officials say sports fans increasingly travel for full weekend experiences rather than single-day events.
The expected influx of supporters may also benefit nearby tourism and lifestyle districts connected to Loftus Versfeld and Pretoria’s broader hospitality economy.
PRASA and Gautrain Prepare for Matchday Movement
Transport forms a major part of the province’s event strategy for large football fixtures.
PRASA has already confirmed special Isitimela Sabantu train services for the CAF Champions League final, with return tickets priced at R20 for selected corridors.
The special services are expected to operate from:
- Saulsville
- Mabopane
- Pienaarspoort
- De Wildt
A shuttle system between Pretoria Station and Loftus Station is also expected to operate every 20 minutes between 13h00 and 19h30.
Gautrain Expected to Serve as Main Connector
Tourism and transport officials say Gautrain remains one of the province’s key event mobility systems during major sporting fixtures.
The Gautrain connects:
- OR Tambo International Airport
- Sandton
- Rosebank
- Midrand
- Centurion
- Pretoria
Supporters travelling from Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni are expected to use Gautrain services into Pretoria before connecting through shuttle systems and rail services closer to the stadium precinct.
Officials say integrated rail and shuttle systems are designed to:
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Improve fan safety
- Speed up entry and exit around venues
- Encourage public transport usage
The broader message being promoted around matchday transport is:
“Park your car, take the train, enjoy the game.”
Matchday Flow Expected Around Loftus Versfeld
Event organisers expect large supporter movement around Loftus Versfeld from midday on Sunday.
A typical supporter journey may include:
- Gautrain into Pretoria Station
- PRASA or shuttle link closer to Loftus precinct
- Managed pedestrian routes into the stadium area
Security personnel, marshals and shuttle systems are expected to assist supporters throughout the day.
Transport authorities say integrated movement plans have been used during previous major football events in Gauteng.
“Stay for Another Day” Tourism Push Around Pretoria
Tourism authorities say the CAF final is also being used to encourage supporters to extend their visits and explore nearby tourism experiences around Pretoria and Tshwane.
The “Stay for Another Day” campaign encourages visitors to convert matchday trips into weekend tourism experiences.
Because the match is hosted at Loftus Versfeld, tourism recommendations are focused on Pretoria and nearby Gauteng lifestyle districts.
Places to Visit After the Match
Tourism authorities are also encouraging supporters to explore nearby attractions after the final.
Suggested experiences include:
Union Buildings
One of Pretoria’s most recognisable landmarks and heritage sites.
Freedom Park
A heritage and memorial site reflecting South African history and democracy.
Voortrekker Monument
A major historical tourism attraction located near central Pretoria.
Accommodation Options Near Loftus Versfeld for CAF Champions League Fans
Supporters travelling to Pretoria for the CAF Champions League final have several accommodation options located close to Loftus Versfeld Stadium and nearby entertainment districts.
Tourism operators say many visitors are expected to stay in Hatfield, Arcadia, Menlyn and Brooklyn because of their proximity to the stadium, restaurants and nightlife attractions.
Hotels and Accommodation Near Loftus Versfeld
City Lodge Hotel Hatfield
Located close to Hatfield Plaza and the Gautrain station, the hotel offers convenient access to Loftus Versfeld and surrounding restaurants.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Pretoria Menlyn
Situated in Menlyn, this hotel is popular for its nightlife access, restaurants and entertainment options.
Hotel 224
A centrally located Pretoria hotel positioned close to Arcadia and major transport routes.
Southern Sun Pretoria
One of Pretoria’s established business and leisure hotels located near the CBD and stadium routes.
The Maslow Time Square
Located in Menlyn Maine, the hotel connects visitors to Pretoria’s lifestyle, casino and entertainment district.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park
Situated directly within the Loftus Park precinct, this is expected to be one of the closest accommodation options for supporters attending the final.
ANEW Hotel Hatfield Pretoria
Located in Hatfield with access to nearby nightlife, restaurants and transport connections.
Tourism stakeholders say supporters staying overnight are also expected to visit nearby food and entertainment districts including Hatfield, Hazelwood, Brooklyn and Menlyn following the match.
CAF Final Seen as More Than Football
Tourism authorities say the CAF Champions League final represents a broader opportunity to showcase Gauteng’s infrastructure, transport systems and visitor economy.
Officials believe integrated public transport systems such as Gautrain and PRASA play an important role in improving the province’s attractiveness as a destination for major events.
The event is also expected to strengthen Gauteng’s positioning as a province where:
- Sport meets tourism
- Football meets culture
- Transport links visitors to experiences
- Stadium events drive economic activity
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the CAF Champions League final may bring economic activity and tourism movement into Pretoria and surrounding areas.
Large sporting events often support:
- Hospitality jobs
- Food and beverage businesses
- Informal trading
- Public transport usage
- Tourism and accommodation sectors
The event may also encourage greater use of rail-based public transport systems during major sporting fixtures.
Tourism authorities say the broader goal is to turn sports events into longer tourism stays that benefit multiple sectors of Gauteng’s economy.
FAQ: CAF Champions League Final in Gauteng
When is the CAF Champions League final first leg?
The match takes place on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Where is the match being played?
The first leg will be hosted at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Will there be special trains for supporters?
Yes. PRASA has confirmed special Isitimela Sabantu train services for matchday.
How much do PRASA tickets cost?
Return tickets are expected to cost R20.
What is the “Stay for Another Day” campaign?
It is a tourism initiative encouraging visitors to extend trips beyond matchday and explore nearby Gauteng experiences.
What Happens Next
Transport authorities, tourism stakeholders and event organisers are expected to continue final preparations ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League final in Pretoria.
Large supporter movement is expected around Loftus Versfeld throughout the weekend as Gauteng uses one of Africa’s biggest football fixtures to strengthen its #SportingGP tourism strategy.
