The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a prominent soccer stadium located in Durban, South Africa, in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Named after Moses Mabhida, a former general secretary of the South African Communist Party, it has become an iconic landmark in the city.
The stadium is situated adjacent to the Kings Park Stadium in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct, and near the Durban street circuit, once used for the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. This newly built stadium is located on the grounds of the old Kings Park Soccer Stadium, in the Durban sports precinct in the suburb of Stamford Hill.
Key Facts and Features
- Location: 44 Walter Gilbert Road, Stamford Hill, Durban, South Africa
- Coordinates: 29°49′44″S 31°01′49″E
- Owner: eThekwini (Durban Metropolitan Municipality)
- Tenants: AmaZulu F.C., South African Cricket Team
Designed as a multi-use facility, the oval pitch is a stark contrast to most soccer stadiums around the world. This ensures future use for cricket matches, both domestic and international, as well as rugby and soccer matches. Inside, the seats paint a symbolic picture of the surrounding area.
Durban is known as a beach destination within South Africa, with the blue seats representing the ocean and the brown and white symbolic of the land. Surrounding Moses Mabhida is the city of Durban, home to an estimated 3.5 million people, and generally regarded as the largest port in all of Africa. With an added centerpiece thanks to the stadium, the structure was designed to have a long-lasting impact on tourism.
Construction and Design
Construction broke ground in 2006, and the stadium was completed in 2009. The stadium was officially finished on November 24, 2009. The first soccer match played there was on November 29, 2009.
Read also: Why Moses Fled
The stadium's main structure is supported by 1,750 columns and 216 strong beams. Around the field, there are 900 meters of retaining walls, 8 meters high. Over 1,780 concrete panels create the bowl shape where people sit. More than 100 columns stand around the stadium. The tallest of these columns is 46 meters high. The outside of the stadium is covered with 15,000 square meters of special panels.
The Arch
Somewhat reminiscent of the famous Wembley Stadium arch, a 350-metre (1,148 ft) long free and 105-metre (344 ft) high span arch holds up the roof of the stadium, the top of the arch rises to 106 metres (348 ft) above the pitch. The arch also represents the once divided nation coming together, inspired by the South African Flag.
The arch consists of a 5x5m steel hollow box and weighs 2,600 tonnes. The arch over the stadium has a cable car that reaches a look-out platform available on one side, and for the more adventurous, a 550-stair climb up to the same spot - though walkers will be harnessed in.
You can ride a special cable car, called a funicular, to a viewing platform at the top of the arch. From there, you get amazing views of the city and the ocean.
Roof
Moses Mabhida Stadium roof consists of a 46,000 m2, Teflon-coated, glass-fibre membrane which produce a translucent glow when the stadium is lit. These are attached to the arch by 95mm diameter steel cables. The stadium's roof is made of a special material that glows when the stadium lights are on. It covers 88% of the seats.
Read also: Unmasking the Pharaoh
Capacity
The Moses Mabhida Stadium has a capacity of 55,500 (expandable up to 75,000). For the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the stadium could hold 62,760 fans. Its design allows the seating to change. The stadium has two main levels of seats. A third level was added just for the World Cup.
As of 2025 Moses Mabhida Stadium has an official seating capacity of 54,000 for Football matches.
Major Events Hosted
The Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted many exciting events:
- 2010 FIFA World Cup: The stadium was a key venue, hosting five group games, one knockout game, and a semi-final match.
- 2013 African Cup of Nations: The stadium also hosted games for this tournament, including 4 group games, 1 quarter final and a semi final.
- Cricket: The stadium hosted a Twenty20 cricket match between South Africa and India on 9 January 2011. India won the game by 21 runs.
- Coronation of King Misuzulu: On October 29, 2022, the coronation of the new King Misuzulu took place at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- Concerts and Festivals: The stadium is a popular spot for big concerts and festivals.
Seven matches were scheduled to take place in Durban during the 2010 FIFA World Cup - five group matches and two in the knockout. Two of the bigger billings were Brazil vs. Portugal and Australia vs. Germany.
The stadium is the current home ground of Premiership team AmaZulu.
Read also: Moses and the Exodus
Recent Upgrades
The Moses Mabhida Stadium is getting a big upgrade! Plans were revealed by eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba. The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is planned to undergo a R236 million upgrade to enhance its appeal and functionality.
The revamp includes a new Sky Car with an accessible cabin, increased wind tolerance, and a larger viewing platform with a glass "Air Walk." Other attractions include a new Big Swing, sea-facing bungee jump, a zip line ending at People’s Park, and dramatic views from a Compression Ring Walk.
These upgrades aim to boost the stadium's commercial viability, structural integrity, and visitor safety.
AmaZulu FC
South African side AmaZulu play their home matches at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Below is a seating plan of AmaZulu's Moses Mabhida Stadium:
Moses Mabhida Stadium Guide
- Team: AmaZulu
- Opened: 2009
- Capacity: 54,000
- Address: 44 Isaiahntshangase Road, Stamford Hill, Durban
Covid Restrictions may be in place when you visit Moses Mabhida Stadium in 2025.
Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
