Kaizer Chiefs have finally broken their decade-long trophy drought, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This victory marks the Amakhosi's first major silverware since they last lifted the Absa Premiership title under coach Stuart Baxter in 2015, and it was a moment of jubilation for their supporters.
The match started with a controversial moment just eight minutes in, when Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Pule Mmodi was brought down in the box by Deano van Rooyen. Gaston Sirino stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently drilled a low shot into the bottom corner, giving Chiefs an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Pirates responded swiftly, equalizing just seven minutes later. Evidence Makgopa, who had already made a mark in the previous league encounter between the two teams, powered home a header from a well-delivered free kick by Deon Hotto, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 17th minute.
The first half continued with both teams vying for control, but it was Chiefs who came close to regaining the lead in the 35th minute when Mohau Nkota's low shot was expertly saved by Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, keeping the score tied at the break.
As the second half unfolded, both teams made tactical changes, with Pirates substituting Makgopa for Tshegofatso Mabasa shortly after the hour mark. Chiefs, meanwhile, introduced rugged midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa to bolster their midfield.
With about 15 minutes remaining in regulation time, Chiefs began to apply significant pressure. Mmodi struck the post with a crisp volley in the 78th minute, and just two minutes later, the Amakhosi found their breakthrough. Yusuf Maart latched onto a cross from Ashley du Preez and drilled home a low strike off his left foot, sending the Chiefs supporters into a frenzy as they took a 2-1 lead.
In the dying minutes, Pirates pushed hard for an equalizer, coming closest when Hotto's well-struck free kick was saved by Petersen. Mabasa also had a glancing header from a corner kick that flashed across the goal mouth, but the Amakhosi held firm to secure their historic victory.
This triumph not only ends a long wait for a trophy but also earns Chiefs a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, adding an extra layer of significance to the win.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed his delight after the match, saying, "First, I’m very happy for the fans, all the fans. I’m happy for the chairman and all members of the family. I’m very happy for them, but for myself, it’s a process. Process needs coaching.”
Nabi also explained his decision to substitute Thabo Cele, who had been struggling with injuries, stating that the changes made with Mthethwa, Du Preez, and Mduduzi Shabalala helped regain control of the match. “After the equaliser of Orlando Pirates, we felt that we were losing our organisation which gave the opportunity to the opponents to take control of the game,” he noted.
For Pirates, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign, having failed to secure a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title. Coach Jose Riveiro will be looking to regroup after this setback, as the Buccaneers will end the season with only the MTN8 trophy to show for their efforts.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the focus now shifts to the future for both teams. Chiefs will be buoyed by this victory and the promise of brighter days ahead, while Pirates will need to reflect on their season and find ways to return stronger next year.
