{
  "id": 6096680,
  "title": "OPINION: Soweto deserves more Springbok Tests, but not at the expense of other stadiums",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/opinion-soweto-deserves-more-springbok-tests-but-not-at-the-expense",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T04:14:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/opinion-fnb-stadium-soweto-deserves-more-springbok-tests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The recent Rugby World Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Soweto was a resounding success, drawing nearly 86,000 enthusiastic fans despite warnings of severe weather conditions and high ticket prices. The game proceeded rain-free and the crowd enthusiastically cheered, performed Mexican waves, and chanted \"Scrum! Scrum! Scrum!\" throughout, much to the delight of Bok scrum coach Daan Human, who dreams of such a passionate atmosphere. This level of support even though the Springboks won the match 2-1, raises questions about the rationale behind hosting the Test in a non-traditional location.\n\nThe tradition of hosting Springbok Tests at FNB Stadium, colloquially known as Soccer City, extends back four decades, with only four matches held there since its inauguration in 2013. Notably, the last three matches have been part of the South African Springboks' winning streak. This raises queries about the decision to hold the Test at FNB Stadium when other cities such as Durban, Bloemfontein, Mbombela and Gqeberha have been overlooked for the past year.\n\nDurban, home to Kings Park Stadium with a capacity of 52,000, Bloemfontein, home to Newlands Stadium with a capacity of 37,000, Mbombela and Gqeberha, both hold venues with a capacity of 42,000 and 46,000 respectively, all were left without a Test match this season. This raises the question of whether Bloemfontein is owed a Test match after missing out on the opportunity last year.\n\nThe financial implications of hosting matches at FNB Stadium are undeniable, given its larger capacity and the willingness of South African rugby fans to pay premium prices to witness their favorite players in action. The success of the match at FNB Stadium underscores the significant financial benefits of such a decision. However, this must be weighed against the opportunity for other cities to host games and provide their fans with the same thrilling experience.",
  "summary": "The vibe at FNB Stadium was electric. But it was the fourth Springbok Test in Gauteng this season, while Durban, Gqeberha, Mbombela and Bloemfontein missed out.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nearly 86,000 fans attended Soweto Springbok match.",
    "FNB Stadium, known as Soccer City, hosts Springbok Tests.",
    "Four other cities missed Test matches this season."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Hosting Springbok Tests in Soweto's FNB Stadium boosts revenue but raises questions about fairness to other cities, which have been overlooked despite having sizeable and presumably eager rugby fan bases.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}