MTN8 final to get postponed? Protesters threaten stadium shutdown
· The South African
There are growing fears among local football fans that the highly anticipated MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns could be disrupted by protests in Durban.
The final is scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October, with both teams hoping to claim the first major trophy of the season.
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However, social media reports and local updates have raised concerns about potential security risks and threats of protests around the stadium.
The unrest follows public anger over a recent court ruling requiring immigration and refugee offices to process asylum applications, including those from migrants who entered the country without visas.
MTN8 final schedule to take place on Saturday evening
The situation reportedly resulted in long queues and overcrowding at the Durban Refugee Reception Office on Che Guevara Road, prompting a backlash from local groups and activist movements.
The protests have coincided with reports of attacks on foreign-owned shops, looting and vehicles being set alight in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Similar unrest has also been reported in Soweto, Gauteng, with police reportedly using rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds.
Amid the unrest, concerns have emerged over the safety of supporters planning to attend Saturday’s football spectacle.
During the week, some protesters reportedly threatened to shut down the gates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in an attempt to disrupt the MTN8 final between the Buccaneers and Masandawana.
The threats have left some supporters, particularly those travelling from other provinces, worried about their safety and whether the match will go ahead as planned.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has yet to announce any postponement of the final, which remains scheduled to take place on Saturday evening.
With thousands of supporters expected to descend on Durban for the clash, fans will be hoping for clarity regarding the security situation and the status of the match.
For now, supporters should monitor official PSL, stadium and police communications for updates before making final travel arrangements.Thr MTN8 final is scheduled to go on as usual.