THOUSANDS of rugby supporters from far and wide are expected in Durban for the historic Durban Challenge, a clash between the Cell C Sharks and the Union Bordeaux Bègles from France at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 17 August.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Durban Challenge, Mayor, Zandile Gumede said the City was very excited to host the Durban Challenge and that it stood to bring a lot of benefits to the City.
“This game is one of the many initiatives that we will be undertaking as part of our partnership with the Cell C Sharks. It is important to highlight that the Cell C Sharks have a partnership with the City which is the basis for us taking this game to one of the city’s biggest attractions, Moses Mabhida Stadium, which has played host to major international events. This spectacle not only brings visitors to the city, it provides a platform for us to position Durban as Africa’s sporting capital,” she said.
She said the city would also host the test match between the Springboks and Argentina on Saturday, 18 August, at Jonsson Kings Park. “This showcase of rugby by both the Cell C Sharks and Springboks is great for the city and we hope rugby fans across the country, continent and globally will descend to our shores and experience the warmth of our people,” added Gumede.
Durban Tourism anticipates that over 50 000 people are expected to attend this rugby showcase, with a potential economic spinoff estimated of more than R75 million.
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