With the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup final between Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fast approaching, the stakes have never been higher.
After Kaizer Chiefs suffered a league double this season, Nasreddine Nabi and his team must quickly regroup, knowing that the Nedbank Cup is their last chance to break a decade-long trophy drought this season.
As Jose Riveiro meticulously prepares his Orlando Pirates squad for this crucial Soweto derby cup final, Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to spring an upset and finally end their long wait for silverware.
Ahead of this cup final, SBN highlights five key players who could define the Nedbank Cup final!
Wandile Duba (Kaizer Chiefs)
Young forward Wandile Duba is back in contention for Kaizer Chiefs after serving a one-match suspension, a significant boost for the Amakhosi attack. Duba has emerged as Chiefs’ leading scorer this season, but his contribution extends beyond just goals. His intelligent runs in behind the opposition’s defence and his pace on the counter-attack pose a significant threat, particularly to a potentially slower Pirates centre-back like Thapelo Xoki, whose lack of speed was evident in their recent league encounter.
Notably, Duba scored the decisive goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, securing Chiefs’ place in this final. Having boldly promised the trophy to the passionate Khosi Nation, the weight of expectation rests on his shoulders to build on that crucial goal and deliver on his promise. His absence was keenly felt in the recent Soweto derby due to suspension, and he will undoubtedly be eager to make his presence felt against the Pirates defence on Saturday.
Gaston Sirino (Kaizer Chiefs)
Uruguayan attacker Gaston Sirino’s recent move to Kaizer Chiefs on a two-year deal, following his successful six-year stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, has injected much-needed quality into the Amakhosi ranks. Despite being 33 years old, Sirino has demonstrated this season that his creative spark and technical ability remain potent.
The Montevideo native has an impressive trophy haul from his time with Masandawana, boasting seven league titles and the inaugural African Football League (AFL) trophy. Sirino will carry far greater influence on the Chiefs attack, in this crucial cup final.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Orlando Pirates’ young sensation, Relebohile Mofokeng, enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season last year, deservedly scooping both the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament awards. He is expected to be a pivotal figure in Jose Riveiro’s tactical plans as Pirates aim to defend their Nedbank Cup title while also chasing league honours.
Mofokeng’s exceptional dribbling skills and keen eye for goal make him a constant menace to opposition defences. Despite his relatively young age, the Bucs academy graduate has consistently proven his reliability in high-pressure situations. He was the match-winner in last season’s Nedbank Cup final and also played a crucial role in their comeback victory against Stellenbosch in this season’s MTN8 final.
Furthermore, his knack for delivering on the Soweto Derby stage is also evident, having won the penalty in the first league encounter this season before scoring the decisive goal just last weekend. Few would be surprised if this talented youngster rises to the occasion once again in this cup final. After all, his strike just a week ago defined the outcome of the most recent Soweto derby!
Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
Patrick Maswanganyi’s electrifying skills and captivating performances made him an instant fan favourite in his debut season with Orlando Pirates. His stellar displays earned him a host of PSL accolades, including last season’s Player’s Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament awards.
The burning question is whether he can maintain that exceptional level of performance in this crucial final. His ability to create chances and unlock defences with his intricate passing and dribbling will be vital for Pirates on Saturday. Notably, it was his stoppage-time panenka penalty earlier this season that secured a league victory for Pirates against Chiefs, highlighting his composure in crucial moments.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi has emerged as a rock-solid addition to the Orlando Pirates defence since breaking into the first team in recent months. The young defender has adapted remarkably quickly, establishing himself as a regular starter in Jose Riveiro’s lineup. Having already demonstrated his composure and reliability in previous high-stakes matches, Mbokazi will once again be entrusted with the responsibility of helping to thwart the Kaizer Chiefs attack.
At just 19 years old, the teenager has been a revelation for the Sea Robbers, consistently delivering assured performances regardless of the magnitude of the game. His aerial prowess and threat from set-pieces were underlined by his goal in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against SuperSport United.
Moreover, the defender has shown a tendency to venture forward and possesses an eye for goal, as evidenced by his assist in Pirates’ midweek league victory over Golden Arrows. His maturity and defensive solidity will be crucial in containing the Chiefs’ attacking threats in this high-pressure cup final.