Sharks consider playing at Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Cell C Sharks are currently in talks with The City of Durban to play matches the Moses Mabhida Stadium in 2017.
The Sharks confirmed yesterday that talks are ongoing with Ethekwini Municipality - with the City proposing that the Sharks play in the iconic Durban stadium that was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup next year.
For the past few years, the stadium has played host to a number of Absa Premiership and National First Division football matches. Bafana Bafana have also played international matches at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while special events like Top Gear have booked out the venue as well.
However, the stadium remains without of a full-time tenant and there are concerns that the state-of-the-art facility is being wasted.
There have been rumblings of a Sharks move from Growthpoint Kings Park to the neighbouring stadium over the years, but this is the first time the Sharks have officially announced that they are considering the scenario, even if it only means a few fixtures are played there.
Sharks CEO John Smit confirmed yesterday that talks were ongoing and having partnered with the City on a number of potential ventures, namely a tourism partnership, it seems the move is being taken seriously.
“We enjoy an excellent relationship with officials from the eThekwini Municipality, and we are enthusiastic about their vision for the future of our city," Smit said.
We are excited about the prospects at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but have made it clear that any move would have to be in the best interests of The Sharks and its supporters. Before The Sharks board makes a final decision, we will conduct detailed consultations with important stakeholders like our sponsors, suiteholders and season ticket holders. This process will continue over the next few weeks.
“The city has given its full support to this position, and is looking forward to working with The Sharks in the future. We have been inspired by the eThekwini leadership’s commitment and professionalism, and are excited about the opportunities," Smit concluded.
The logistics of the move will have to be considered carefully. Season ticket holders as well as Kings Park suite holders will be watching the development carefully, and special concession will most likely be made to accommodate them for matches at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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