Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has acknowledged the formidable challenge that awaits his side as they prepare to contest the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, stating that it will require a “fewer mistakes” to lift the coveted trophy.
Despite a season marked by inconsistency and struggles in the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup represents a golden opportunity for Amakhosi to break their lengthy silverware drought, with their last major trophy being the league title triumph back in the 2014/15 campaign.
Standing in their wake is an Orlando Pirates team that is currently enjoying a rich vein of form in the Betway Premiership. The Buccaneers are not only riding high on confidence but are also still mathematically in contention for the league title, with five crucial league fixtures remaining.
Read: “We are not favourites, Kaizer Chiefs are” – Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi
Under the guidance of head coach Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates have established themselves as a formidable cup team, having already secured an impressive haul of five trophies.
In contrast, while Nabi brings his own cup pedigree to the Chiefs dugout, having won domestic cup competitions twice in Tanzania with Young Africans and also guiding them to the CAF Confederations Cup final.
Recognizing the quality and current momentum of their rivals, the Amakhosi mentor has clearly outlined the key areas his team must address to have any chance of success.
He said on iDiski Times: “Tactically you have to work and try to maximise every initiative you have during the game, either offensively or defensively and you have to take in consideration the opponent but there’s also psychological work that needs to be done, especially after losing the derby and going to the final against the same opponent.
“The players feel they did well to deserve more from the Derby, especially the first half but other than tactical work, there’s a lot of physiological work needed to be better going into this final.”
He added: “As well as how we see it, for efficiency, you need to reduce, as much as you can, the mistakes, the individual mistakes that can happen in a final game, when you make mistakes, it’s hard to come back from it, because everyone knows the cup is there and if you concede one goal, someone can park the bus.
“So, it will be very hard, so it’s very important to stay concentrated, stay focused for the game and try to make as least mistakes as we can.”
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates resume hostilities in the Nedbank Cup final this weekend at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick off in Durban is set for 15h30 on Saturday, 10 May 2025.