sportskeeda
The City of Durban is launching an important clean-up campaign at Albert Park, a prominent location in the city, in advance of its crucial role as one of the two fan parks for soccer enthusiasts to catch the anticipated Nedbank Cup Final.
Kaizer Chiefs will face Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday [15:30], with tickets for this sought-after match selling out in just 90 minutes after becoming available on Monday.
With the expectation that some fans without tickets may try to access the stadium, the Durban police have announced that the areas immediately surrounding the venue will be designated a red zone, restricted to individuals with valid tickets only.
This intensified security measure underscores the city’s commitment to preparing Albert Park. Unfortunately, the park has become a haven for those struggling with Nyaope addiction, resulting in a severely unsanitary environment over the years.
Although the city made prior attempts to clean up Albert Park during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by relocating individuals using Nyaope, they have since returned.
Consequently, the area has become one of the most dangerous to traverse, whether driving during the day or night, due to the high number of individuals affected by Nyaope lingering nearby.
“Public viewing areas will be available at Albert Park and on the Durban beachfront,” stated the Ethekwini municipality.
“To prepare Albert Park, city officials executed a joint clean-up operation on May 9 to ensure the park is ready for the surge of football fans. The clean-up was supported by community partners and included planting new flower beds, performing electrical repairs, and repainting the amphitheater.”
Councillor Zama Sokhabase, Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, confirmed that the park is now clean, safe, and poised to welcome fans.
She also noted that entertainment options will be available at both viewing locations ahead of the match.
“Both fan parks will be secure and offer a lively, energetic atmosphere akin to that at Moses Mabhida Stadium. I encourage fans who were unable to obtain tickets to visit the fan parks and enjoy the game,” she remarked.
Durban is hosting the Soweto Derby domestic cup final for the third time since 2006.
The last meeting between these two teams in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban took place under the previous sponsorship of the competition, the Absa Cup, at Kings Park Stadium, located across from Moses Mabhida Stadium. In that encounter, Chiefs claimed victory with a 5-4 win on penalties.
They also triumphed over Pirates 1-0 in the MTN8 final in 2014 at the same Moses Mabhida Stadium, marking the last time these two Soweto giants clashed in any cup final.
