Gauteng will take centre stage this weekend as two of South Africa’s biggest football clubs begin their MTN8 campaigns on home soil. Orlando Pirates host Durban City FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto at 3pm on Saturday, 8 August 2026, before Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Polokwane City to Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville at 6pm. The quarterfinal fixtures are expected to attract thousands of supporters, making it an ideal weekend to experience Gauteng’s football culture alongside its restaurants, attractions and accommodation options.
Whether you are travelling from another province or planning a local day out, there is plenty to enjoy before and after kick off.
ALSO READ: MTN8 Quarter Final Fixtures 2026 Confirmed: Dates, Kick Off Times and Venues
Two MTN8 Quarterfinals Put Gauteng in the Spotlight
The 2026 MTN8 tournament opens with two quarterfinal fixtures involving Gauteng clubs on Saturday.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their quest for a fifth consecutive MTN8 title against Durban City FC, while Mamelodi Sundowns start their domestic season against Polokwane City following their preseason preparations abroad.
The action continues on Sunday when Kaizer Chiefs host Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium, making it a packed football weekend across Gauteng.
Orlando Pirates vs Durban City FC
Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Kick Off: 3pm
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Orlando Pirates return to Orlando Stadium looking to defend the MTN8 trophy after winning the competition for four consecutive seasons. Durban City FC, the reigning Nedbank Cup champions, will be looking to upset the defending champions in one of the standout quarterfinals of the weekend.
Where to Stay Near Orlando Stadium
Supporters travelling to Soweto have several accommodation options within a short drive of Orlando Stadium.
Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre
Situated on Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, the Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre offers visitors an opportunity to stay in the heart of one of South Africa’s most historic townships. The four star hotel features comfortable rooms, secure parking and easy access to Vilakazi Street and Orlando Stadium.
Estimated price: From R1 600 per night.
Gold Reef City Hotel
Located approximately 15 minutes from Orlando Stadium, Gold Reef City Hotel combines comfortable accommodation with access to one of Johannesburg’s most popular entertainment destinations. Guests can enjoy restaurants, the casino and the nearby theme park during their stay.
Estimated price: From R1 700 per night.
Road Lodge Southgate
Road Lodge Southgate is ideal for supporters looking for affordable accommodation close to Soweto. The hotel offers modern rooms, free parking and convenient access to both Orlando Stadium and Southgate Mall.
Estimated price: From R900 per night.
Town Lodge Roodepoort
Town Lodge Roodepoort offers comfortable accommodation for visitors travelling from outside Johannesburg. The property provides easy highway access and is within comfortable driving distance of Orlando Stadium.
Estimated price: From R1 100 per night.
Where to Eat Before the Orlando Pirates Match
No trip to Soweto is complete without enjoying some of the township’s best known restaurants before kick off.
Sakhumzi Restaurant
Located on Vilakazi Street, Sakhumzi Restaurant has become one of Soweto’s most recognisable dining destinations. The menu includes traditional South African favourites, grilled meats and hearty home style meals.
Estimated spend: R150 to R280 per person.
Chaf Pozi
Positioned beneath the iconic Orlando Towers, Chaf Pozi is known for its lively atmosphere, shisanyama, outdoor seating and views of one of Soweto’s most recognisable landmarks.
Estimated spend: R120 to R250 per person.
Native Rebels
Native Rebels is a favourite among Soweto residents for its live entertainment, generous portions and traditional South African cuisine. It is a popular choice for supporters celebrating before or after football matches.
Estimated spend: R180 to R350 per person.
Things to Do Before Kick Off in Soweto
Supporters arriving early can spend time exploring some of Soweto’s best known attractions.
Nelson Mandela House Museum
Visit the former home of Nelson Mandela on Vilakazi Street and learn more about South Africa’s struggle history through exhibitions and preserved memorabilia.
Estimated entry: From R40 per adult.
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Located a short distance from Mandela House, the museum commemorates the events of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and remains one of Gauteng’s most significant heritage sites.
Estimated entry: From R60 per adult.
Orlando Towers
The Orlando Towers have become one of Soweto’s most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the viewing platform or take on the famous bungee jump.
Viewing deck: From R80
Bungee jump: From R550
Vilakazi Street
Spend time exploring one of South Africa’s most famous streets, lined with restaurants, cafés, local traders and historical landmarks. It remains one of Gauteng’s most visited tourism destinations.
Entry: Free
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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City
Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Kick Off: 6pm
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville
Mamelodi Sundowns begin their 2026 MTN8 campaign at Lucas Moripe Stadium when they host Polokwane City in the second Gauteng quarterfinal of the day. After completing their preseason preparations in Austria, the Brazilians will be looking to make a winning start to the domestic season in front of their home supporters.
Where to Stay Near Lucas Moripe Stadium
Visitors travelling to Pretoria have a variety of accommodation options, ranging from business hotels to luxury stays.
Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
Located close to the Union Buildings, the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel offers spacious rooms, conference facilities, secure parking and panoramic views of the city. It is a convenient choice for visitors looking to explore Pretoria before or after the match.
Estimated price: From R2 200 per night.
The Capital Menlyn Maine
Situated in the Menlyn Maine precinct, The Capital Menlyn Maine combines apartment style accommodation with modern amenities, making it popular with business and leisure travellers alike.
Estimated price: From R1 600 per night.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Hatfield
Located near the University of Pretoria and the Gautrain station, Protea Hotel Hatfield offers easy access to restaurants, shopping centres and major roads leading to Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Estimated price: From R1 300 per night.
RH Hotel Pretoria
RH Hotel Pretoria provides comfortable accommodation in the city centre with convenient access to Pretoria’s attractions and sporting venues.
Estimated price: From R1 100 per night.
Where to Eat Before the Sundowns Match
Pretoria offers a diverse food scene, whether you are looking for a quick meal or a relaxed dining experience before kick off.
Kream Brooklyn
Kream Brooklyn is known for its premium steaks, seafood and contemporary South African cuisine in an elegant setting.
Estimated spend: R220 to R450 per person.
Capital Craft Beer Academy
A favourite among craft beer enthusiasts, Capital Craft serves gourmet burgers, grills and sharing platters alongside an extensive drinks menu.
Estimated spend: R180 to R300 per person.
Summit Grill and Skybar
Offering panoramic city views, Summit Grill and Skybar specialises in premium grills, cocktails and contemporary dining.
Estimated spend: R250 to R450 per person.
Crawdaddy’s Brooklyn
Crawdaddy’s Brooklyn is a long standing Pretoria favourite, offering steaks, seafood, ribs and generous family style meals.
Estimated spend: R180 to R350 per person.
Things to Do in Pretoria Before Kick Off
Arrive early and explore some of Pretoria’s best known attractions before heading to Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings remain one of South Africa’s most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the terraced gardens, panoramic city views and the Nelson Mandela statue.
Entry: Free
Voortrekker Monument
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This iconic heritage site offers visitors an opportunity to explore South African history while enjoying sweeping views of Pretoria.
Estimated entry: From R100 per adult.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park commemorates South Africa’s journey to democracy through memorials, exhibitions and landscaped gardens overlooking Pretoria.
Estimated entry: From R80 per adult.
National Zoological Garden
One of the country’s largest zoological gardens, the National Zoo is home to hundreds of animal species and offers a full day of family friendly entertainment.
Estimated entry: From R120 per adult.
Celebrate Mogodu Monday in Gauteng
If you are extending your football weekend into the public holiday on Monday, 10 August, Gauteng has no shortage of venues serving traditional mogodu and other local favourites.
Moja Café, Soweto
Moja Café has become well known for its lively Mogodu Monday gatherings, serving slow cooked tripe alongside pap, dumplings and traditional sides.
Estimated spend: From R130 per person.
Bafokeng Corner, Soweto
Popular with locals, Bafokeng Corner offers generous mogodu platters and traditional township hospitality, making it a favourite after a busy sporting weekend.
Estimated spend: R150 to R210 per person.
Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama, Midrand
Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama is renowned for its traditional meats, vibrant atmosphere and large sharing platters, making it a popular stop for visitors travelling between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Estimated spend: R180 to R450 per person.
Centurion Shisanyama
Centurion Shisanyama serves a variety of traditional South African dishes, including mogodu, grilled meats and pap in a relaxed family friendly setting.
Estimated spend: R160 to R280 per person.
Estimated Matchday Budget
Supporters can plan their weekend using these approximate costs.
Orlando Pirates Matchday
- Match ticket: Official PSL pricing
- Lunch: R150 to R300
- Parking: Stadium rates apply
- Attraction: R40 to R550
- Accommodation: From R900
Estimated spend excluding match ticket: From R1 100 per person
Mamelodi Sundowns Matchday
- Match ticket: Official PSL pricing
- Dinner: R180 to R350
- Parking: Stadium rates apply
- Attraction: Free to R120
- Accommodation: From R1 100
Estimated spend excluding match ticket: From R1 300 per person
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Major sporting events continue to play an important role in Gauteng’s visitor economy by attracting supporters from across South Africa. Beyond the action on the pitch, football weekends encourage visitors to spend time at local restaurants, book accommodation and explore nearby attractions, benefiting businesses across Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas.
Whether you are supporting Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns or simply looking for a weekend outing, the MTN8 quarterfinals provide another opportunity to experience Gauteng’s sport, culture and hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Gauteng MTN8 quarterfinals?
Both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will play on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
Where is Orlando Pirates playing?
Orlando Pirates host Durban City FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Where is Mamelodi Sundowns playing?
Mamelodi Sundowns face Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Where can supporters buy match tickets?
Tickets are available through the official Premier Soccer League ticketing platforms.
What can visitors do after the football?
Visitors can explore attractions including the Union Buildings, Vilakazi Street, Mandela House, Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument, or enjoy Mogodu Monday at popular eateries across Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria.
Football fans visiting Gauteng this weekend can enjoy much more than two MTN8 quarterfinals. From iconic attractions and local restaurants to comfortable accommodation and traditional Mogodu Monday experiences, the province offers supporters the opportunity to turn a matchday into a memorable weekend exploring one of South Africa’s leading sporting and tourism destinations.
