Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns and Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match recently. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
As Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundown gear up for the MTN8 cup final in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend, police are not leaving anything to chance and will be out in full force to maintain law and order.
The sold-out clash between Pirates and Sundowns will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers in the province working with various law enforcement agencies have put safety and security measures in place to ensure the successful hosting of the match.
“Just over 50 000 people are expected to witness the spectacle live and law enforcement agencies have deployed accordingly in order to safeguard the fans, players and officials from both clubs and all interested parties.
“The gates will open at 14h00 on Saturday and people are urged to make their way to the stadium early to avoid delays due to traffic congestion,” said Netshiunda.
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Netshiunda warned while KZN Metro Police have confirmed that no road closures will be effected on the day, police-manned stop and searches should be expected.
“This is in order to ascertain that vehicles and persons getting into the stadium are cleared of any prohibited items. Dangerous weapons inclusive of firearms, knives and bottles are not allowed inside the stadium.
“Match tickets were sold out shortly after they went on sale. Supporters are warned not to buy counterfeit tickets from criminals as there are no more match tickets available,” Netshiunda said
Netshiunda said police visibility will be maintained in and around the stadium, with traffic officials manning the main routes leading to the stadium before, during and after the match.
Meanwhile, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi said they are excited about the clash with Pirates .
“We are so excited to play a team of Pirates calibre. I don’t remember a cup final between Sundown and Pirates before. So, that suggests why everybody bought the tickets in such a short time because they want to witness good football,” Mngqithi said.
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