Itumeleng Khune has issued a rallying call to his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming Nedbank Cup final over their highly anticipated league showdown against Orlando Pirates.
With Chiefs and Pirates poised for back-to-back derbies, the Soweto giants will first clash in a crucial Betway Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on 3 May, before shifting their focus to the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.
For Khune, while league form holds significance, the true prize lies in the opportunity to claim silverware for the first time in over a decade. The veteran goalkeeper, who has witnessed the club’s highs and lows, described the nine-year trophy drought as “unprecedented” and believes the Nedbank Cup could be the long-awaited turning point for Amakhosi.
Read: Orlando Pirates’ Success Indirectly Seals Kaizer Chiefs’ Continental Football Berth
A triumph in the final would not only mark a return to glory but also bring a substantial financial boost, with Chiefs set to pocket R7 million in prize money should they lift the prestigious trophy.
“They need to prioritise by saying, ‘Are we able to lose points in the league and save energy for the final, where we are going to win R7m and win a trophy for the first time in nine years?'” Khune remarked.
“At some point you are going to have to save energy for the most important game, and that is the final. They are going to have to prioritise and say, ‘We can even play for a draw in the league, knowing we are keeping our place in the top eight.’
“They must go to the final and give their all to break the nine-year curse where they have not won a trophy. If you win this final, you are in the Confederation Cup and that will also be a confidence booster.”
Currently eighth in the Betway Premiership standings, Chiefs are still fighting to secure a respectable finish, while arch-rivals Pirates remain locked in a heated title race with Mamelodi Sundowns—adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash.
Furthermore, the final also marks a poignant moment for the Buccaneers, as it forms part of the farewell celebrations for their coach, Jose Riveiro, who is set to depart at the end of the season.