Mbombela Stadium

Last Modified Nov 24, 2021 07:28 GMT

The Mbombela Stadium is located west of Mbombela, the capital of the Mpumalanga province in South Africa. It has an all seater capacity of 40,929 spectators.

The stadium is the centrepiece of a proposed wider sports village. This stadium is primarily used for football, however it does witness the occasional rugby game.

It was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa v Scotland - Castle Larger Incoming Tour

History

The construction of the Mbombela stadium started in February 2007, and concluded in November 2009. The stadium has the same name as the capital city. It was previously known as Nelspruit, as was the city.

In October 2009, Nelspruit was officially renamed Mbombela by the South African Government. This caused the subsequent change in the name of the stadium.

On 16 May 2010, the stadium hosted its first international friendly match between South Africa and Thailand which the hosts won by a massive margin of 4–0.

It hosted its first FIFA World Cup match on June 6th, and its first Premier Soccer League match on 14 November, 2012.

Major Matches

The Mbombela stadium hosted four matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It recorded its highest attendance of 38,229 spectators when Italy played against New Zealand with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

It also hosted eight matches the 2013 African Cup of Nations, including a quarter final and a semi final. During this tournament, Burkina Faso was the most successful team, securing both the biggest victory, a 4-0 against Ethiopia and the most significant match - the semi finals.

Controversies

Allegations of corruption relating to the awarding of construction contracts in the building of the stadium disturbed the project. Three individuals were murdered in connection with these allegations, and another three have died under mysterious circumstances.

Promises of improvements to the impoverished surrounding neighborhood have also not been fulfilled. To make matters worse, to make way for a replacement school, a wetland in Nelspruit was bulldozed without any remedial measures.

Related Stories

"We just understand the way we play" - Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals which Liverpool star he shares the biggest bromance with "We just understand the way we play" - Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals which Liverpool star he shares the biggest bromance with
"We just understand the way we play" - Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals which Liverpool star he shares the biggest bromance with
1d
Arsenal handed boost as transfer target claims he's ready to 'take the next step' in career ahead of summer transfer window Arsenal handed boost as transfer target claims he's ready to 'take the next step' in career ahead of summer transfer window
Arsenal handed boost as transfer target claims he's ready to 'take the next step' in career ahead of summer transfer window
1d
Barcelona close to agreeing contract extensions for 3 key players: Reports Barcelona close to agreeing contract extensions for 3 key players: Reports
Barcelona close to agreeing contract extensions for 3 key players: Reports
1d
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly makes feelings clear about Reds’ fans calling him traitor for considering Real Madrid transfer Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly makes feelings clear about Reds’ fans calling him traitor for considering Real Madrid transfer
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly makes feelings clear about Reds’ fans calling him traitor for considering Real Madrid transfer
"Greatest and the best example for all the players" - Former Ballon d'Or winner hails Cristiano Ronaldo as 'one of the best players in history' "Greatest and the best example for all the players" - Former Ballon d'Or winner hails Cristiano Ronaldo as 'one of the best players in history'
"Greatest and the best example for all the players" - Former Ballon d'Or winner hails Cristiano Ronaldo as 'one of the best players in history'
1d
"I think it's clear to everyone how important he is to the team" - Hansi Flick on Barcelona star after Girona win "I think it's clear to everyone how important he is to the team" - Hansi Flick on Barcelona star after Girona win
"I think it's clear to everyone how important he is to the team" - Hansi Flick on Barcelona star after Girona win
1d
Will Raphinha be ready to start for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid? Report sheds light on status after Brazilian spends Girona clash on the bench Will Raphinha be ready to start for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid? Report sheds light on status after Brazilian spends Girona clash on the bench
Will Raphinha be ready to start for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid? Report sheds light on status after Brazilian spends Girona clash on the bench
21h
WATCH: Lionel Messi scores seconds after coming off the bench for Inter Miami WATCH: Lionel Messi scores seconds after coming off the bench for Inter Miami
WATCH: Lionel Messi scores seconds after coming off the bench for Inter Miami
1d
"Such players are always an option" - European giants' confrim club are thinking about re-signing Manchester United's Christian Eriksen "Such players are always an option" - European giants' confrim club are thinking about re-signing Manchester United's Christian Eriksen
"Such players are always an option" - European giants' confrim club are thinking about re-signing Manchester United's Christian Eriksen
1d
Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Luis Diaz boost, club eyeing AC Milan ace, and more - March 31, 2025 Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Luis Diaz boost, club eyeing AC Milan ace, and more - March 31, 2025
Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Luis Diaz boost, club eyeing AC Milan ace, and more - March 31, 2025
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications