Mbombela Magic! MTN8 Final heads to Mpumalanga for a historic showdown

For the first time in years, South Africa’s MTN8 final is breaking tradition — and heading north. The iconic Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga will host the 2025 MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC on 13 September, with kick-off set for 6pm, live on SuperSport.

This marks a refreshing shift from the usual Durban destination, as Moses Mabhida Stadium steps aside for a venue steeped in football heritage. Mbombela, known for its giraffe-inspired roof and zebra-striped seats, has hosted three major football cup finals to date — including fixtures in the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2024 Nedbank Cup final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates.

Now, it’s set to deliver another blockbuster.

A FINAL WITH FIRE

It’s déjà vu with a twist. The 2025 final is a repeat of last year’s showdown, where Orlando Pirates edged Stellenbosch FC in a tense battle. This time, Stellies are out for revenge — and they’ve made it clear: they’re not just showing up, they’re coming for silverware.

For Pirates, the stakes are just as high. With critics questioning their consistency, this final offers a chance to silence doubters and reinforce their reputation as MTN8 royalty.

WHAT TO EXPECT

- High-stakes rematch: Pirates v Stellies, part two — with added bite.
- Mbombela atmosphere: 43 500 fans, a roaring crowd, and a pitch built for drama.
- Legacy on the line: Can Pirates extend their MTN8 dominance, or will Stellies flip the script?

We're all set for the #MTN8 final ✅

The first cup of the season will be played at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September at 18:00 (CAT) LIVE on SuperSport 📺#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/KRU6iwf5Yi

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 27, 2025

Whether you’re backing the Buccaneers or rooting for the Wineland warriors, one thing’s certain: Mbombela is ready to host a final that could go down as one of the most memorable in MTN8 history.

ABOUT MBOMBELA STADIUM

The stadium has a seating capacity of 43 500. The main features of the stadium are the 18 majestic orange giraffe columns that support the roof structure and the black and white zebra skin patterned seating.

The bright colours of the stadium create a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. The close proximity of the playing field to the general stands ensures an intimacy not often to be found at major international stadia.

LOCATION

Mbombela is 40 kilometres from the world famous Kruger Park where the best of African wildlife can be found.

The architects of the stadium decided that Mbombela needed a truly African Stadium and they have succeeded in designing an unique facility that wonderfully blends in with the landscape and constantly reminds visitors to the stadium that they are in Africa and in particular the Mpumalanga Lowveld, home of the famous big five.

The playing surface is a combination of Cynodon and Rye Grass supported by Desso GrassMaster.

CONSTRUCTION COSTS 

The construction cost of the stadium at R1,2 billion as well as the cost per covered seat was the lowest of the new World Cup Stadia.