Why the Nedbank Cup Final Will Never Be Played at FNB Stadium, Explained by Football Expert

• The FNB Stadium was never selected for the Nedbank Cup final because it carries the name of a rival sponsor — First National Bank — making it unsuitable for an event sponsored by Nedbank
• Stadiums like Moses Mabhida are repeatedly chosen because they don’t have conflicting brand identities, allowing Nedbank full control over event visibility and marketing
• Kaizer Chiefs can play Nedbank Cup matches at FNB Stadium since those are club-hosted fixtures, unlike the final, which is a fully branded Nedbank and PSL event with stricter sponsorship rules

The FNB Stadium is the crown jewel of South African football — a 90,000-seater colossus etched into global memory after hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Yet, year after year, it’s overlooked for the Nedbank Cup final.

This year is no different. The 2025 Nedbank Cup final is set to be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban — a familiar and strategic choice.

So why is South Africa’s largest and most iconic stadium never in the running?

Sponsorship rules

Speaking to Briefly News, veteran football commentator Bongani “Shushabinom” Mthimkhulu says the answer has little to do with football — and everything to do with business.

“It’s simple — naming rights are everything in modern sport,” Mthimkhulu said.

FNB Stadium, as the name suggests, is sponsored by First National Bank. Nedbank, being the title sponsor of the tournament, sees the venue as enemy territory.

“You can’t pour millions into a tournament and then hand your spotlight to a rival bank,” he added.

Every mention of “FNB Stadium” on TV, radio or social media during the final would translate into free advertising — but for the wrong brand. That, Mthimkhulu says, is unacceptable in a landscape where sponsors demand exclusive visibility.

He explained that the Nedbank Cup final is more than just a game — it’s a high-value marketing campaign. That’s why organisers consistently choose neutral venues such as Moses Mabhida, Royal Bafokeng, or Nelson Mandela Bay.

“Those stadiums are sponsor-neutral. They don’t scream another brand’s name,” he said.

What about Chiefs?

Many fans have questioned why Kaizer Chiefs are allowed to host earlier Nedbank Cup matches at FNB if the branding clash is so serious.

Mthimkhulu clarified that there’s a difference.

“That’s a home fixture booked by Chiefs. The final is different — it’s a PSL and Nedbank-controlled event. Branding rules change.”

Protecting the sponsor

At the heart of it, Mthimkhulu believes the decision is driven by one thing: protecting sponsor investment.

“It’s not about prestige or capacity. It’s about brand supremacy . Football today isn’t just played on the pitch — it’s played in boardrooms.”

Orlando Pirates set to part ways with six key players

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates are preparing for a squad overhaul at the end of the season, with six senior players, including Monnapule Saleng, Innocent Maela, and Miguel Timm, likely to leave the club.

Despite a successful season, which included reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals and winning the MTN8, the potential departure of coach Jose Riveiro could trigger further player exits.

Rising star Relebohile Mofokeng is drawing European interest, and Tshegofatso Mabasa is linked with a move to the Middle East. Pirates are also targeting Marumo Gallants' Masindi Nemtajela as a potential replacement for Timm and are close to securing a deal for Bafana Bafana midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba.

Source: Briefly News