The atmosphere surrounding Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final clash between Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium is palpable.
Adding to the occasion is Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro’s pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Nedbank Cup title, a feat no other coach has ever accomplished.
Beyond the fierce rivalry and the quest for silverware, a deeper dive into the statistics reveals some fascinating narratives.
Read: Five Iconic Clashes That Forged the Soweto Derby Rivalry
As anticipation reaches fever pitch, here are five statistics you probably didn’t know heading into this highly anticipated 2024/25 Nedbank Cup final:
Milestone Matches
This year’s Nedbank Cup final will be Kaizer Chiefs 50th match in the competition since 2008. In their previous 49 encounters, the Amakhosi have registered 33 victories, five draws, and 11 defeats.
Interestingly, Orlando Pirates reached their own 50th Nedbank Cup game in the previous final in 2024, where they triumphed 2-1 over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Riveiro’s Cup Run
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro boasts an extraordinary 14-game unbeaten streak in the Nedbank Cup. As he prepares for his final match at the helm of the Buccaneers, Riveiro has the remarkable opportunity to conclude his three-year tenure without experiencing a single defeat in this prestigious knockout competition.
The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium
Kaizer Chiefs last tasted Nedbank Cup glory in 2013, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over SuperSport United after extra time. The decisive goal in that tense final was scored by Bernard Parker. Notably, that triumph unfolded at the very same venue that will host this year’s final: the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. Could history be about to repeat itself for the Amakhosi at this familiar ground?
A Decade of Yearning
The weight of expectation bears heavily on Kaizer Chiefs as they aim to break a frustrating 10-year trophy drought. The last piece of silverware to grace the Chiefs’ cabinet was the league title at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season. This prolonged barren spell represents the longest in the storied history of the club, fueling their determination to lift the Nedbank Cup.
Even Steven Golden Boot Race
The battle for the 2025 Nedbank Cup Golden Boot is finely poised, with Kaizer Chiefs’ Pule Mmodi and Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa currently sharing the top spot with four goals apiece. This final showdown presents a direct head-to-head contest, adding another layer of intrigue as both players will be eager to add to their tallies and claim the individual scoring accolade.
The stage is set for another electrifying chapter in the Soweto Derby saga as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates renew their rivalry in the Nedbank Cup final this weekend at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is scheduled for 15h30 on Saturday, 10 May 2025.
As the anticipation builds, we want to know who you are backing? Drop your vote here.