Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe has explained the city’s strong interest in hosting the 2025 Nedbank Cup final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium while also taking aim at other potential venues.
Mpe stated that they are already in advanced discussions with the PSL about having the Nedbank Cup final played in the city of Polokwane.
The last time the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium – Peter Mokaba, hosted a cup final was back in 2016, which was Polokwane’s first-ever domestic cup final, and it was the 2015/16 season Nedbank Cup final.
The 2015/16 season Nedbank Cup final was won by SuperSport United when they defeated Orlando Pirates 3-2 under the tutelage of Stuart Baxter.
WHAT POLOKWANE EXECUTIVE MAYOR JOHN MPE SAID ABOUT HOSTING THE NEDBANK CUP FINAL
The mayor challenged the decision-making process for cup final locations, pointing out that Polokwane has a “stunning stadium” with a “top-notch pitch.” He questioned why they are not considered while cities like Durban, with stadiums he believes have comparable or even inferior pitch conditions, are selected.
However, there are other factors that the PSL and sponsors look at rather than the pitch only. These factors include accommodation, facilities, transportation [accessibility], and stadium capacity.
“The issue of the finals is that we are targeting the Nedbank Cup final. Our discussions are at an advanced stage to host the finals of the Nedbank Cup,” said Mpe.
“We have committed to the [Limpopo] premier [Dr Phophi Ramathuba] that by working together in this kind of model, we shall bring more games to Polokwane. I think the premier has already alluded to the question of why, with all the beautiful facilities that we have. The games [finals] are always going to KZN. Sometimes, we even had rugby going to Mpumalanga.
‘OUR PITCH IS BEST’: POLOKWANE MAYOR CHALLENGES OTHER VENUES
“But if you check, all the stadiums are not in better condition than the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. If you have been closer to those stadiums, don’t just see them on TV; get closer, and you will see the deterioration. Here, we don’t have to tell you not to take photos here or to take photos of this other side.”
Mpe continued: “You can go to the entire stadium, and you will see the work that we are doing, inspired by our premier’s commitment to being hands-on. We are definitely pushing for more big games.
This year’s Nedbank Cup tournament is already in the Round of 16, which will commence on Wednesday, 12 February, when SuperSport United take on Cape Town Spurs at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria at 19:00.
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