Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo Zwane has voiced his strong determination to etch his name in the club’s history books by playing a pivotal role in ending their prolonged trophy drought.
With the Soweto giants having secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup final, Zwane sees this as a golden opportunity to bring silverware back to Naturena after a decade-long wait.
Amakhosi’s journey to the final was marked by a somewhat unexpected 2-1 victory over reigning league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling semi-final clash over the weekend.
This hard-fought win has set the stage for a highly charged Soweto derby in the final, where they will lock horns with their fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates, at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on May 10th.
Read: Mandla Masango urges Kaizer Chiefs to remain humble ahead of the Nedbank Cup final
The significance of this final cannot be overstated for Kaizer Chiefs and their loyal supporters. The last time the Glamour Boys lifted a major trophy was back in the 2014/15 season, a memorable campaign that saw them clinch both the league title and the MTN8 trophy.
Since then, the trophy cabinet has remained bare, a stark contrast to the club’s rich history and tradition of success. They did reach the Nedbank Cup final in 2019 but suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of TS Galaxy.
Reflecting on the current situation, Zwane acknowledged the team’s challenging league form, where they currently sit in eighth place with 30 points from 24 games. However, he emphasized that the Nedbank Cup presents a unique platform to turn the tide and create a lasting legacy.
Speaking to FARPost, Zwane articulated the team’s collective ambition, stating, “That’s part of [our plans]. We also spoke about it in our players meeting.
He further highlighted the opportunity at hand, explaining, “The situation might look bad right now but it’s actually an opportunity to change things, to make history. Imagine us after 10 years we are the ones that win a trophy at Kaizer Chiefs. That would be a great thing to achieve as a player.”
He underscored the internal discussions within the squad, revealing, “We have discussions of where we are on the table as players. We all understand what we need to do. But right now, we are taking one game at a time.”
This cautious approach suggests a focus on maintaining momentum and ensuring they are fully prepared for the final showdown against Orlando Pirates. The Nedbank Cup final against their Soweto rivals offers Kaizer Chiefs not only a chance to secure silverware but also an opportunity to reignite the passion and belief among their supporters.
The atmosphere at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10th is sure to be electric as these two giants of South African football battle it out for the Nedbank Cup title and the lucrative prize money on offer.