Kingsmead Attendance: Dolphins CEO Orders Review After Disappointing Test Turnout
- Dolphins Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom promised an internal review after fewer than 20,000 fans attended the Proteas' Test against Australia at Kingsmead
- The five-day match in Durban ran alongside a sold-out MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, drawing sharp contrasts in supporter turnout
- Australia handed South Africa a 214-run defeat, taking a 1-0 series lead ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha
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Dolphins Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom has committed to an internal review following a concerning lack of support for the Proteas' opening home Test against Australia at Kingsmead Stadium.
The five-day match, played from 9 to 13 October, drew fewer than 20,000 spectators in total, with just 4,108 fans in attendance on the opening day. Strydom addressed the shortfall directly in an open letter to supporters on Thursday, 16 October, acknowledging the disappointing response and pledging to investigate how Test cricket could be made more attractive to local fans.
Kingsmead attendance under scrutiny
The low turnout came despite South Africa hosting its first home Test as reigning World Test Championship winners, an occasion that might have been expected to generate greater public interest.
The review Strydom has ordered is intended to explore ways of improving accessibility and the overall match-day experience. Affordability has been raised as one possible factor, with some tickets reportedly available from as little as R50.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has previously spoken about the strain that rising living costs place on supporters wishing to attend live cricket. The review will need to weigh this alongside other variables, including scheduling, weather and the broader appeal of five-day cricket.
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Sold-out MTN8 final offers a stark contrast
The timing of the Test amplified scrutiny of the attendance figures. On Saturday, 10 October, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns contested the 2026 MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, also in Durban, in front of a capacity crowd after tickets sold out ahead of kick-off. Sundowns claimed the trophy with a 2-0 victory.
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The two events, taking place in the same city within days of each other, presented a notable contrast in supporter turnout, though administrators cautioned against drawing direct comparisons without a fuller assessment of contributing factors.
On the field, the Test proved difficult for South Africa. Australia, after recovering from 124 for 6, posted 390 in their first innings thanks largely to an outstanding 190 from Matt Renshaw.
The Proteas responded with 284 before Australia declared their second innings on 314 for 6, leaving South Africa needing 421 to win. They were dismissed for 206, handing Australia a 214-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The second Test is scheduled to begin at St George's Park in Gqeberha on 18 October.
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Source: Briefly News
