Kaizer Chiefs have finally broken their decade-long silverware drought by clinching the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup, defeating fierce Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a pulsating final at Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In a match that lived up to the billing, it was midfielder Yusuf Maart who etched his name into Amakhosi folklore, netting the decisive goal late in the second half of the game to seal a historic victory.
His late strike sent the stadium into raptures and brought an emotional end to a ten-year wait for a major trophy.
The encounter began with fireworks as Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty just eight minutes in, after a challenge by Pirates fullback Deano Van Rooyen on the ever-lively Pule Mmodi.
Uruguayan attacker Gastón Sirino calmly dispatched the spot-kick past Sipho Chaine to give Chiefs an early 1-0 lead.
However, Orlando Pirates responded with resilience, leveling the score just before halftime. Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa rose highest in the box to nod home, ensuring the sides went into the break on even terms.
With both sets of fans creating a deafening atmosphere and the stadium having sold out within hours of tickets being released, the second half was played at a frenetic pace. Chances came and went for both teams, but it was Chiefs who ultimately found the breakthrough.
The second half was a topsy-turvy affair with no real goal-mouth action with the best chance falling to Mmodi in the 78th minute but the Chiefs player hit the outside of the post.
Amakhosi substitutes Mduduzi Shabalala and Ashley Du Preez certainly made a difference in the second half and they combined to set up Maart’s thunderous volley that ultimately won the cup with 10 minutes remaining.
Chiefs had some nervy moments in the dying stages as Hotto went close to an equaliser but the men in yellow held on to the delight of their fanatical fans.
The victory for Amakhosi also marks the end of the dominance of the tournament with Pirates winning the last two editions of the Nedbank Cup and Riveiro now leaving the Buccaneers trophyless in his third and final season.