The eThekwini Municipality is celebrating another success after hosting the highly anticipated MTN 8 Cup Final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday. The event drew a crowd of over 60,000 soccer fans, once again positioning Durban as South Africa’s leading destination for major sporting events.
EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, expressed his delight at the city’s growing stature in the world of sports tourism. “The numbers we continue to attract during events in the city, whether it is sport or conferences, is an indication that our tourism sector is indeed bouncing back,” said Xaba
This success, according to the Mayor, is just a precursor to what the city can expect during the upcoming festive season. Xaba is confident that eThekwini will draw over 1.3 million visitors over the summer period, thanks to the positive momentum from events like the MTN 8 final.
“The MTN 8 final demonstrated that eThekwini is poised for a bumper festive season,” he added.
Xaba also took the opportunity to thank the citizens of eThekwini, local law enforcement, and event organizers for their efforts in ensuring the cup final ran smoothly, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and soccer fans alike.
He concluded by congratulating Orlando Pirates for their victory in the tournament, further highlighting the city’s role in hosting such prestigious events.
Durban’s status as a premier sports city is only set to grow, with the municipality keen on drawing more high-profile events and positioning itself as a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists.