On May 10 in Durban, the South African Cup final took center stage. The pitch saw a classic Johannesburg derby—Kaizer Chiefs facing off against Orlando Pirates. The "Amakhosi" struck first in the 10th minute, with Gastón Sirino coolly converting a penalty. The celebrations were short-lived, though: just seven minutes later, Evidence Makgopa capitalized on a Hotto assist to bring the Pirates level. The second half unfolded with both teams playing cautiously, hinting at extra time or a penalty shootout. But one of the few dangerous moments near the Pirates' goal ended with a decisive strike from Maart, sealing the outcome of the final. Kaizer Chiefs celebrated a 2-1 victory, claiming their first South African Cup win since 2013 and securing a record 14th title in the club's history.
Kaizer Chiefs have finally ended their ten-year trophy drought, securing a memorable 2-1 victory over bitter-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Not since Stuart Baxter led them to the Absa Premiership title on May 9, 2015, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha had the Glamour Boys lifted major silverware, making today’s triumph all the sweeter for their supporters. Gaston Sirino and Yusuf Maart’s goals propelled Amakhosi to the victory with Evidence Makgopa scoring the only goal for Ezimnyama Ngenkani.
In a surprising move, Nasreddine Nabi started with Brandon Petersen in goal, with regular number one Bruce Bvuma not even featuring on the bench. He made three more changes as Inacio Miguel, Thabo Cele, and Wandile Duba also came into the side, taking the places of the suspended Bradley Cross, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and Mduduzi Shabalala. Across the dugout, Pirates, who had heavily rotated in their midweek fixture against Golden Arrows also made several changes to their lineup for this match. Their seven changes saw Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, and Evidence Makgopa replace Melusi Buthelezi, Tapelo Xoki, Bandile Shandu, Karim Kimvuidi, Kabelo Dlamini, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Yanga Madiba.
The match began with a cautious approach from both sides, limiting opportunities and keeping defensive lines tight. The first significant moment arrived in the 8th minute when Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Mmodi was fouled by Van Rooyen inside the penalty area. Gaston Sirino successfully converted the penalty in the 11th minute, giving Chiefs a 1-0 lead. However, Chiefs’ advantage was quickly nullified. In the 17th minute, Pirates equalised through Evidence Makgopa, who headed in a free-kick delivered by Deon Hotto. This was Makgopa’s second consecutive leveller against Chiefs, having also scored after Chiefs had taken the lead via Glody Lilepo in the recent league Soweto Derby.
Following the Pirates goal, the atmosphere intensified, with the Bucs supporters creating significant noise. The remainder of the half saw both teams vie for control in midfield, featuring a notable contest between Sirino and Makhaula. In the 35th minute, Chiefs goalkeeper Petersen made a key save, tipping away an attempt from Nkota. The halftime score remained 1-1.
The coaches made no changes at the start of the first half, returning with the same teams that started the game. There was a distinct lack of opportunities as both teams were somewhat solid coming from the break. The first significant chance to score in the second stanza fell on Wandile Duba, whose shot on the edge of the box was blocked by Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Seeking to inject more attacking impetus, both technical teams made strategic changes. Coach Nabi introduced Sibongiseni Mthethwa for Thabo Cele, while Pirates’ Riveiro brought on Tshegofatso Mabasa in place of Evidence Makgopa.
Further substitutions followed, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Ashley Du Preez entering the fray for Chiefs, replacing Sirino and Duba. Pirates responded by substituting Mohau Nkota and Makhehlene Makhaula with Karim Kimvuidi and Kabelo Dlamini. These changes visibly shifted the momentum of the match, as both teams adopted a more attacking approach, desperately searching for a winning goal.
In the 77th minute, Chiefs came agonisingly close to regaining the lead when Pule Mmodi, finding himself unmarked, received the ball and struck the post. However, Chiefs’ persistent pressure soon paid off. In the 79th minute, the breakthrough finally arrived when Yusuf Maart slotted the ball home after receiving a well-delivered cross from Mduduzi Shabalala, sending the Amakhosi faithful into raptures. Trailing with time running out, the Sea Robbers pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Kabelo Dlamini had a late opportunity from a free-kick, but his well-hit strike was parried away by a vigilant Brandon Petersen in the Chiefs goal.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys defended resolutely in the dying minutes, holding on until the final whistle to secure their historic victory and end their decade-long wait for a trophy since 2015. This win not only signifies a return to form for the Chiefs but also adds another chapter to the storied rivalry with the Pirates, who will be left to ponder their missed opportunities.
