Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has delivered silverware in his debut campaign, guiding the Soweto giants to a dramatic 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
In a match brimming with intensity and emotion, it was captain Yusuf Maart who sealed the win with a clinical finish ten minutes from time, capping off a performance that will be remembered for years by the Amakhosi faithful.
Read: Kaizer Chiefs end 10-Year Trophy with Dramatic Nedbank Cup Triumph
Chiefs took the lead early on through a 10th-minute penalty by Gastón Sirino, awarded after Pirates right-back Deano Van Rooyen fouled Pule Mmodi in the box. However, Pirates responded swiftly, equalising in the 17th minute thanks to a powerful header from Evidence Makgopa, who connected brilliantly with a pinpoint delivery from Deon Hotto.
With the game finely balanced and the tension rising in the second half, it was Maart who stepped up in the 80th minute to smash home the winner, securing Chiefs’ first major trophy since they won the league title in the 2014/15 season.
“This is a very important trophy for the club, the management, and the entire team staff,” Nabi said at the post-match press conference.
“But first and foremost, for the fans and the entire management of the club. This was my first objective upon arriving at Kaizer Chiefs, and this is just the beginning. I want to take the club back to its natural position at the top, and this is my first step. After achieving that, I will go home.”
“I’m happy for this trophy today [on Saturday] because it will continue with my process and help me to get more confidence from the fans,” continued Nabi.
“And all the members of my staff, I’m very for that honesty.”
The win not only ends a ten-year silverware drought for Kaizer Chiefs, but also continues their dominant cup-final record against Pirates in Durban. Saturday’s triumph marks the third time Amakhosi have beaten the Buccaneers in a knockout final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with the previous two being the 2006 and 2014 MTN8 finals.
With the Nedbank Cup secured, Chiefs now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they aim to finish in the top eight. They currently sit ninth on the log with 30 points from 26 matches. Two games remain—against Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City—to push them into the MTN8 qualification zone before the season comes to a close.