Mbombela Stadium Confirmed as Venue for 2025 MTN8 Final
For the first time in years, the MTN8 final will step away from its traditional home in Durban and head north. The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that the 2025 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC will be staged at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 13 September, with kick-off set for 18:00 (CAT), live on SuperSport.
A Historic Shift from Tradition
Moses Mabhida Stadium has long been synonymous with cup finals, but this year the spotlight turns to a venue rich in football heritage. Mbombela, with its giraffe-inspired roof and zebra-striped seats, has already hosted some of the country’s biggest football spectacles. These include matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, fixtures at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and more recently, the 2024 Nedbank Cup final, which also featured Orlando Pirates.
The 43,500-seater stadium offers a unique African identity, blending architecture with its Lowveld surroundings, and will now add another prestigious event to its growing legacy.
Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Rivalry Renewed
The 2025 final is a direct repeat of last year’s showdown, where Orlando Pirates overcame Stellenbosch to lift their third consecutive MTN8 crown at Moses Mabhida. This time, Stellies return with unfinished business, determined to make amends and clinch their first Top Eight title.
For Steve Barker’s side, the road to the final was paved with determination. They edged AmaZulu 3-2 in the quarter-finals before outclassing Sekhukhune United with a 3-1 aggregate victory in the semis. Pirates, meanwhile, had to dig deep, defeating Richards Bay and then edging past Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties to secure their place.
The encounter sets up another chapter in what has become one of the country’s most intriguing rivalries.
What to Expect on the Night
The MTN8 final is always a fiery contest, but this year’s promises extra spice:
- A high-stakes rematch: Stellenbosch are eager for revenge while Pirates look to cement their dominance.
- Mbombela’s roar: With 43,500 fans expected, the atmosphere will be electric and intimate, thanks to the stadium’s close-proximity stands.
- Silverware at stake: Pirates aim to defend their crown, while Stellies chase history with their first major cup triumph.
A Stadium Built for Drama
Located just 40 kilometres from the Kruger National Park, Mbombela Stadium is one of the most distinctive football venues in the country. Its vibrant giraffe columns and zebra-patterned seats symbolise African pride, while its R1,2 billion construction cost delivered the most affordable per-seat value of all the 2010 World Cup stadiums.
The playing surface, a blend of Cynodon and Rye Grass reinforced by Desso GrassMaster, ensures a world-class stage for the final. The stadium’s intimacy and colour make it a fitting choice for a clash of this magnitude.
Buccaneers Eye More Glory, Stellies Target Redemption
For Orlando Pirates, this is more than just another final. With critics questioning their inconsistency in the league, lifting the MTN8 trophy again would silence doubters and underline their reputation as knockout specialists. The Soweto giants also hold fond memories of Mbombela, where they beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024 Nedbank Cup final.
Stellenbosch, however, see this as a chance to finally cross the finish line. After falling short last year, Barker’s team has shown resilience and growth. Winning in Mbombela would not only mark their first MTN8 success but also solidify their rise as a genuine force in local football.
All Roads Lead to Mpumalanga
As the countdown begins, anticipation is mounting. Whether you’re backing the Buccaneers or cheering for the Wineland warriors, the stage is set for a final that could go down as one of the most memorable in MTN8 history. The League will announce ticketing details in the coming weeks, but one thing is already certain: Mbombela is ready for a night of drama, passion, and history.
Related article: Orlando Pirates Confident and Calm Ahead of MTN8 Title Defence
