The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is set to become the epicenter of South African football this Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Orlando Pirates collide in the Nedbank Cup final.
Beyond the fierce Soweto Derby rivalry, this encounter carries the weight of a decade-long trophy drought for Chiefs, the allure of a record-breaking feat for Pirates’ departing coach, and the burning desire for revenge following last week’s league result.
Kaizer Chiefs enter this final with a singular focus – the end their painful ten-year wait for silverware. Indeed, their last taste of victory came in the 2014/15 season when they lifted the league title.
Read: 5 Stats To Consider Ahead of the Nedbank Cup Final
This barren period has amplified the importance of the Nedbank Cup, offering the Amakhosi a golden opportunity to not only break their drought but also to salvage pride from an otherwise underwhelming Betway Premiership campaign. The final presents a chance for redemption, a moment to reward their loyal supporters who have patiently awaited a return to glory.
TEAM NEWS
Kaizer Chiefs are expected to field a refreshed starting lineup compared to their recent league encounter against the Buccaneers. Midfielder Thabo Cele and defender Inacio Miguel are anticipated to be fully recovered from their knocks and available for selection, bolstering the team’s spine.
The return of their leading goalscorer this season, 20-year-old striker Wandile Duba, after serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards, injects much-needed firepower into their attack. Duba’s availability could lead to a tactical reshuffle, potentially allowing Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi to deploy Congolese forward Makabi Lilepo in his more natural position on the wing.
From this familiar flank, Lilepo’s pace and trickery could pose a significant threat to the Orlando Pirates wing-backs, offering a dynamic outlet for the Amakhosi attack. The strategic adjustments hint at Nabi’s intent to learn from their recent defeat and present a different challenge to their Soweto rivals in this crucial cup decider.
WHAT WAS SAID
“Cross is suspended for this game, but Duba is coming back from his suspension,” said Nabi.
“This week we are going to have to try, but we are optimistic about Thabo Cele and Miguel. Other than that, the players on long-term injuries are still sidelined, like Given (Msimango), Reeve (Frosler), and Rushwin Dortley will not be available.”
Meanwhile, AmaBhakaniya have managed to win consecutive matches following their CAF Champions League exit and loss against Sekhukhune United and will be confident heading into their third consecutive Nedbank Cup final.
Bucs Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi emphasized that they will not be thinking about recent results against their Soweto rivals, with Pirates winning the last five derbies.
“We will give it our best shot but there is no history that will rely on to try on winning this match,” said Ncikazi at a pre match conference.
“Coming into this game, we were playing yesterday (Wednesday), and Chiefs had a whole week of preparation. We don’t want to fall into the fallacy of thinking we are favorites. We are not, but Kaizer Chiefs are,” he added.
Bucs will also be boosted by the return to fitness of key playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, who missed last week’s derby but returned to score the opener in the 2-1 victory against Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
The last time the two giants met in a cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium saw Amakhosi winning the 2014/15 MTN 8 title via a Tefu Mashamaite header.
A win for the Buccaneers will give them an unprecedented third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and will serve as a perfect send-off for coach Jose Riviero, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
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.
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