Kaizer Chiefs ended their decade-long trophy drought with a sensational 2-1 Soweto Derby win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a Soweto Derby of contrasting fortunes, with Pirates overwhelming favourites despite Chiefs beating Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld last month to book their place in the final. This was due to Chiefs being without a win in seven consecutive games, the last of which was a 2-1 home defeat to the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium, adding to a decade-long trophy drought looming over their heads.
Pirates, coming to grips with the fact their head coach Jose Riveiro would be leaving at the end of the season, were reveling in the proverbial last dance, having won three MTN8 titles in a row and standing one game away from replicating that feat with the Nedbank Cup. However, they got off to a poor start, as Deano van Rooyen conceded a penalty inside the opening 15 minutes, which Gaston Sirino slotted home to send the Amakhosi faithful into ecstasy in Durban.
But the lead lasted less than ten minutes, as Evidence Makgopa levelled matters, heading home an inch-perfect free-kick from Deon Hotto, marking his 10th goal this season across all competitions. The second half was less entertaining in terms of chances created, with neither Brandon Petersen nor Sipho Chaine having much to do, but the fight between the two sides was evident. It was a clear war between two fierce rivals aiming for cup glory on the day.
Chiefs were well in it, limiting Riveiro’s side from creating any clear-cut chances, and it was rather the Amakhosi that looked the more likely to score. The goal came from the much-maligned captain Yusuf Maart, who has divided opinion among the club’s supporters over the years, as he scored a stunning winner from range with his weaker left foot. Chiefs managed to hold onto the lead and secure a memorable victory, their first silverware since winning the league in the 2014/15 season and ending the dream of Pirates securing a three-peat of the competition.
In terms of lineups, Chiefs dropped Bruce Bvuma and gave a rare start to Brandon Petersen, while Deano Van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Patrick Maswanganyi were Pirates' three changes from last week's Soweto Derby. The Amakhosi made a positive start, with Gaston Sirino rifling into the bottom corner from the penalty spot after Van Rooyen had brought down Pule Mmodi.
Despite the early setback, Jose Riveiro’s men weren’t rattled and equalized just ten minutes later. Evidence Makgopa leaped high at the back post to head in a pinpoint free-kick from Deon Hotto. Chiefs looked to regain the lead shortly after, with Sirino seeing a lot of the ball, but he faced tough tackling from Makhaula.
Petersen came good at the other end, diving to the near post to keep out a low strike from a clever angle by Mohau Nkota. Both teams enjoyed a solid start to the second half with a lot of forward runs and passes, but unfortunately couldn’t rattle the net. Pirates were closest to going ahead ten minutes after the break when a curling shot from the right of the area by Nkota came off the side-netting.
The Amakhosi responded with a double substitution inside the closing quarter, as Mduduzi Shabalala came on for Sirino, while Duba was sacrificed to grant Ashley Du Preez an entry. The Amakhosi grew stronger moments thereafter and nearly regained the lead when a first-time shot at the far post by Mmodi hit the upright.
Captain Yusuf Maart led from the front ten minutes from time when he found space on the edge of the six-yard box and powered in the bottom corner following Shabalala’s cross. Pirates nearly levelled for the second time in the match through a curling free-kick by Kabelo Dlamini, but saw Petersen equal to the task. The Buccaneers continued to search for the equalizer, but the Amakhosi weathered the storm and grabbed victory, as well as the Nedbank Cup, ending their ten-year trophy drought.
As the match came to a close, the atmosphere was electric with Chiefs fans celebrating their team's triumph. Edson Castillo and George Matlou received yellow cards during the match, and several substitutions were made as both teams sought to find the winning edge. The final whistle confirmed Chiefs as champions, with the scoreline reflecting their hard-fought battle against their fierce rivals.
In the end, the victory not only marked a significant achievement for Kaizer Chiefs but also highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit that defines the Soweto Derby. With this win, Chiefs have set a new chapter in their history, leaving behind a lengthy period without silverware and reigniting hope among their loyal supporters.
This victory in the Nedbank Cup final serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the passion it ignites among fans. As the Chiefs celebrate their triumph, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting off-season as teams regroup and prepare for the next battles ahead.
