The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is bracing itself for a Saturday showdown of epic proportions as Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates lock horns in the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final.
Beyond the intense rivalry, the tactical setups and player availability will be crucial in determining who lifts the coveted trophy.
Read: 5 Stats To Consider Ahead of the Nedbank Cup Final
Ahead of the crunch encounter, SBN brings you the latest team news for both camps:
KAIZER CHIEFS
Despite a challenging league campaign, Kaizer Chiefs stand on the verge of ending a decade-long trophy drought, their last triumph being the league title in the 2014/15 season. Adding an experienced edge to their cup aspirations is head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who boasts a commendable cup pedigree, having secured domestic cup victories twice during his tenure with Young Africans in Tanzania, alongside reaching the CAF Confederations Cup final.
However, the Amakhosi will have to navigate some key absences in this crucial final. Defender Bradley Cross is suspended, while Wandile Duba is back in contention after serving a one-match ban that kept him out of last weekend’s action. The long-term injury list includes Given Msimango, Reeve Frosler, and Rushwin Dortley. On a positive note, Thabo Cele and Inacio Miguel are expected to have recovered from their respective knocks and are likely to be available for selection, providing crucial options in midfield and defense.
Predicted Kaizer Chiefs Lineup: Bvuma, Solomons, Miguel, Kwinika, Dove, Cele, Maart, Sirino, Mmodi, Lilepo, Duba
ORLANDO PIRATES
Adding a compelling narrative to this final is the impending departure of Orlando Pirates’ Spanish coach, Jose Riveiro. Having masterminded consecutive Nedbank Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, Riveiro is on the cusp of making history by becoming the first coach to win the competition three times in a row.
However, the Buccaneers also have their share of injury concerns heading into this high-stakes encounter. Defenders Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, along with midfielder Thabiso Lebitso and forward Zakhele Lepasa, are all sidelined due to injury.
On a brighter note for the Pirates faithful, key defender Nkosinathi Sibisi returns to the fold after serving a two-match suspension, and midfielder Thalente Mbatha is also available again following his one-game ban. Their return provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive stability and midfield options.
Predicted Orlando Pirates Lineup: Chaine, van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Maswangangi, Makgopa, Mofokeng
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