This was the site of the first stadium in Soweto, officially opened in 1959. For almost 50 years this was a famous home of soccer, associated with a host of sporting greats and a venue for other sports. As well as entertainment and political events. In June 1976, this was the planned destination of protesting students, but police prevented marchers from reaching the stadium. The original Orlando Stadium was demolished in 2006, to be replaced by a modern new facility.
Orlando Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium. The new stadium was constructed between 2006 and 2008, following the demolition of the historic stadium and the capacity was increased to 40 000. Orlando Stadium is now partially enclosed by an impressive encircling roof that covers more than 70% of spectators. Orlando Stadium accommodates around 37,000 to 40,000 people, with sources citing figures like 37,139, 40,000, or 36,761, depending on the source and specific seating configuration. It also features hospitality suites and other facilities!
Orlando Stadium played a major role in the sporting, social, and political life of residents for many years. As a famous home of South African soccer, it was associated with a host of football greats including: Kaizer Motaung;Jomo Sono; Patrick ‘Ace Ntsoelengoe and Ephraim Shakes Mashaba. The stadium hosted international sporting events and major political rallies were held there both before and after 1994. It is currently used mostly for football (soccer) matches and is the home stadium of Orlando Pirates the Football Club of the Premier Soccer League.
When South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Orlando Stadium was chosen to be a training venue. It had to comply with FIFA requirements, which included the reorientation of the stadium so that the axis is closer to the north–south to prevent the sun from dazzling the players. Orlando Stadium hosted the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert on 10 June 2010, featuring many world famous artists.
A Historic Legacy-
More than just a football arena, Orlando Stadium is a symbol of resistance, resilience, and remembrance in South Africa’s history!
The 1976 Soweto Uprising: Thousands of black students gathered at the stadium in protest against the mandatory use of Afrikaans in schools. The tragic turn of events, with police opening fire on unarmed students, made the Soweto Uprising a defining moment in the fight against apartheid.
A Venue for Historic Farewells: The stadium has hosted state funerals for icons like Joe Slovo (1995), Walter Sisulu (2003), and Winnie Mandela (2018), bringing together global leaders to honour South Africa’s freedom fighters