There is no denying it – South Africans love soccer. It is an obsession that has taken root in the country for a long time, and the fandom is only growing.
We live and breathe it and consider ourselves experts. No wonder we have some of the most incredible stadiums in our country.
South Africa has always had a rich history and passion for soccer. In 2010, the country hosted the FIFA World Cup, and as a result, several world-class Soccer Stadiums were built to accommodate the massive event.
These stadiums have since become some of the most iconic and sought-after venues in soccer. From the massive FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to the stunning Cape Town Stadium, South Africa’s soccer stadiums are a testament to the country’s commitment to the beautiful game.
Hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup was an absolute blessing for soccer lovers. Not only did South Africans get to watch the best teams in the world up close and participate in the biggest sporting event in the world, but it also urged the country to build world-class stadiums for us to enjoy, even after the World Cup had finished.
This country now boasts stadiums that rival some of the best in the world. They are a great tourist attraction, an excellent place for fans to watch soccer and other sports, and pretty.
6 South African Soccer Stadiums
1. Soccer City Stadium
Soccer City Stadium, or FNB Stadium, is one of the largest South African stadiums. Situated in Johannesburg, it has a whopping maximum capacity of 94,700. The original stadium was built in 1987 and could seat 700,000, but renovations were done to prepare it for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, transforming it into what it is today.
It is a stadium dear to South Africans for reasons other than soccer. It was in this stadium that Nelson Mandela made his first public appearance in 1990, and three years after that, the memorable funeral of Chris Hani was held there as well.
In 1996, South Africa won the CAF African Cup of Nations. The 2010 FIFA World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain was also held at this momentous stadium.
It is home to Kaizer Chiefs FC and sits next door to SAFA (South African Football Association).
2. Moses Mabhida Stadium
This beautiful stadium is named after the former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party. It is a stone’s throw away from the famous Durban Promenade, which offers spectacular views.
This is one of the well-known Soccer Stadiums. It is fairly large and can seat 70,000 fans.
The entry terminal for fans makes them feel like they are players entering the field to play, and the inside of the stadium is just as breathtaking as the outside.
Designed by Gerhard Le Roux, the stadium holds significant meaning. The large arch represents unity through sport, and the two arch branches on the south and the north meet to form one branch, showing the country’s unity.
If you visit the stadium, why not try the bungee swing from the top of the arch or take a cable car ride up to take in spectacular views of Durban?
3. Cape Town Stadium
Cape Town Stadium is also one of the most famous stadiums for rugby and soccer games. With a maximum of 69,070 seats, there is always room for as many fans as possible to attend the game.
The original building was demolished in 2007 and rebuilt, making it the most expensive stadium in South Africa. It can seat 18,00 and is home to Ajax Football Club.
The views from the stadium, situated between Green Point and Table Mountain, are amazing. After a visit to the stadium, one can pop across the way to the famous V&A Waterfront.
The stadium officially opened on 14 December 2009, and the first match was between Ajax Cape Town Football Club and Santos Cape Town Football Club on 23 January 2010, which 20,000 fans attended.
4. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Found in Port Elizabeth, it was one of five explicitly built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is 2km from the coast and was designed by Gerkan, Marg & Associates, a German company.
It is, in fact, not directly named after the legendary Nelson Mandela but rather after the metropolitan area that it is found in, which was named after the famous figure.
The seating capacity is 46,000, and it was one of the foremost stadiums to host the World Cup.
5. Peter Mokaba Stadium
Another stadium was built specifically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is an extension and improvement of the old soccer arena that stood there. The alterations started in March 2007. The old structure only had one grandstand and three standing areas, so it needed more areas for the fans.
The stadium is in the capital of Limpopo province and is named after politician and activist Peter Mokaba.
The stadium hosts soccer and rugby games with a maximum capacity of 45,500.
6. Mbombela Stadium
Yet another stadium South Africa was lucky enough to build for the World Cup. It is located on open land 7km west of Mbombela. Named after the municipality in Mpumalanga, it means “many people in little space.” It is also only 12km from the Kruger-Mpumalanga airport.
The stadium, which is rectangular but rounded, holds 40,929 fans. It was constructed by South Basil Read Construction and Bouygues and officially opened in October 2009—just in time for the World Cup!
Many other stadiums have their personalities and a wave of fans. You will never find soccer fans as loyal as South African soccer fans. Whether for an international team, a Premier League side, or a homegrown team, they stick to their players, club, and coach.
It is not uncommon to see South African cars and taxis decked out in their favourite team’s gear and for soccer shirts to be worn daily.
If you are near any, you need to visit them. If you also want to try sports betting, start here.
Immerse yourself in everything soccer in South Africa, from the stadiums to the teams, from the memorabilia to the fans – we have it all, and we go big!
