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
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.
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.
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