Football pay-day for KZN and Mayor Xaba mixes with the masses at Albert Park Fan Park
VICTORY eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba joined fans at Albert Park Fan Park for the Nedbank Cup Final, as Kaizer Chiefs triumphed over Orlando Pirates. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Over 10,000 people gathered at the Durban beachfront fan park to watch the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday. This would also give administrators a chance to rope in small businesses as well.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
KAIZER Chiefs and their fans were overjoyed with the winning performance their team delivered at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, but they were not the only ones celebrating.
Hosting the the "Soweto Derby" in Durban, which included Orlando Pirates, benefitted KwaZulu-Natal's coffers to the tune of R93 million, this was confirmed by KZN's Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli.
Benefitting the most from the revenue injection were the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment sectors, and township traders also cashed-in on the razzmatazz that the event generated.
More than 40 000 fans took in the action live at the match venue with thousands more thronged at fan parks and other establishments that broadcasted the football fixture, and Premier Ntuli was pleased that the football spectacle was a well-run and safe event.
eThekwini Municipality's mayor, Cyril Xaba watched the match at Albert Park Fan Park in Durban.
Though Xaba was not exactly inconspicuous, dressed in a suit with a green shirt underneath and an entourage in tow, the ANC member shared the experience with the masses at the public viewing venue.
Chiefs 2-1 win over favourites Pirates was testimony that South African football was alive and well and also marked the first piece of silverware Chiefs have won in 10 years.
The outcome is also expected to go some distance towards ensuring Nasreddine Nabi remains in his position as Chiefs' coach next season.
WATCHING WITH THE MASSES eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba joined fans at Albert Park Fan Park for the Nedbank Cup Final, as Kaizer Chiefs triumphed over Orlando Pirates. Media: Mhlaba Memela
Image: Mhlaba Memela
ANC eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba Joins Fans at Albert Park Fan Park for Nedbank Cup Final
In a Facebook post by Mhlaba Memela, documented his great joy seeing Xaba walking into the fan park before taking a seat in a camp chair to watch the final.
“It is truly a moment of pride and inspiration to witness ANC eThekwini Municipality mayor Comrade Cyril Xaba choosing to stand side by side with the people at the Albert Park Fan Park during the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” said Memela.
“While many dignitaries and political leaders opt for the comfort and exclusivity of VIP suites, Cde Xaba made a conscious decision to join the masses, those who could not secure tickets to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. His presence among ordinary citizens is a powerful reminder of what true servant leadership looks like, accessible, humble, and grounded in the realities of the people.”
Elsewhere, Oceans Mall Piazza in Umhlanga witnessed hordes of football fans come out to watch the clash.