Pirates ban Vuvuzelas at renamed Orlando Amstel Arena

The soundscape of Soweto football is set for a major shift tonight. Orlando Pirates have officially banned the use of vuvuzelas at the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena, marking a significant change in match-day culture as the club ushers in a new era of stadium sponsorship.

The Buccaneers host Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership clash at 18:00, the first fixture since the historic mid-week announcement that transformed the iconic Orlando Stadium into the Orlando Amstel Arena.

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

📅 Saturday,31 January 2026
🆚 @Magesi_FC
🕰 18H00
📍 Orlando Amstel Arena
🛒 https://t.co/UVFTvwztN4

⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/4zw9GM5O5d

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 31, 2026

A Crackdown on Stadium Guidelines By Pirates

In a list of match-day “no-gos” released on Saturday morning, the club was explicit about maintaining a specific environment within the arena. Beyond the surprising ban on the vuvuzela—a staple of South African football for decades—the following items and activities are strictly prohibited:

No Food or Alcohol (external)

No Weapons or Smoking

No Backpacks

No Fake Tickets

Supporters have been urged to arrive at least two hours before kick-off to navigate the expected traffic congestion and security checks surrounding the new-look venue.

High Stakes on the Pitch

While the stadium’s rules are drawing headlines, the action on the grass is equally critical. Pirates currently sit in third place with 29 points. A victory tonight would pull them level with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, despite the Brazilians having played two additional fixtures.

Pirates will be looking to bounce back from a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sekhukhune United and will take confidence from their recent history against Magesi. The sides met earlier this season in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals, where the Sea Robbers secured a 2-1 win.

For the visitors, the trip to Soweto is a daunting task. Magesi FC currently anchors the bottom of the Betway Premiership table, sitting 16th with just 11 points from 14 games. Their last league victory was nearly four months ago, and they will need a monumental performance to spoil the party at the Amstel Arena and jump out of the relegation zone.