In a thrilling encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs emerged victorious against their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, clinching the Nedbank Cup with a 2-1 win on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This victory marked a significant moment for the Chiefs, as it ended a decade-long trophy drought for the club, a feat that had eluded them since they last lifted the league title in the 2014/15 season under coach Stuart Baxter.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for the fans and players alike. With less than four minutes of stoppage time remaining, the tension was palpable. Former Kaizer Chiefs striker and current chairman Kaizer Motaung Junior was spotted in the stands, his head buried in his hands, unable to watch the final moments unfold. However, the Chiefs supporters, both in the stadium and across the country, were on the edge of their seats, cheering for every save made by goalkeeper Brandon Peterson as the clock ticked down.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has faced his fair share of criticism since taking the helm at Naturena this season, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The pressure had been mounting on the 59-year-old, especially after a disappointing league performance that saw the team languishing in ninth place. But on this day, Nabi's faith in his squad paid off, and he was able to celebrate a much-needed triumph.
Yusuf Maart, the captain of the Chiefs, became the hero of the day. The 29-year-old midfielder from Atlantis scored the winning goal with ten minutes remaining, rifling a left-footed shot into the net after being set up by Ashley Du Preez. Maart's goal was a sweet moment for a player who had faced skepticism regarding his leadership abilities throughout the season. "We couldn’t do it without the supporters and my teammates, one love," Maart expressed in an interview with SuperSport TV after the match. His sentiments echoed the collective spirit that had propelled the team to victory.
The match began with an early penalty converted by Gaston Sirino, putting the Chiefs ahead. However, the Pirates quickly equalized through Evidence Makgopa, setting the stage for a tense battle. With the stakes high, both teams fought fiercely, but it was Maart's moment of brilliance that ultimately sealed the win for the Chiefs.
Reflecting on the victory, Nabi emphasized the importance of the cup win for the club's future. "It’s a process," he said, acknowledging the challenges faced during the season. The triumph not only provided a much-needed boost to the team's morale but also laid a foundation for further development under his leadership.
Kaizer Chiefs' Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Junior, also shared his thoughts on the momentous occasion. "I want to give thanks to Nedbank, they have been an amazing sponsor over the years...today has been a dream for us," he stated, highlighting the significance of the victory for everyone associated with the club. Motaung Junior, who has been at the forefront of the club's new vision since his appointment in July 2021, expressed his gratitude towards the fans and the technical team, calling the day one of the most special in his life.
Despite the jubilation surrounding the cup win, the Chiefs still face challenges in the league, where they currently sit in ninth place. The pressure remains to qualify for next season's MTN8, and the team will need to build on this victory to regain their status as one of South Africa's top football clubs.
As the celebrations began, the Chiefs supporters finally had a reason to smile after years of disappointment. The victory served as a reminder of the club's rich history and the passionate fan base that has stood by them through thick and thin. It was a moment to cherish, one that reignited hope and pride among the Amakhosi faithful.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Nabi and his squad will be to maintain this momentum and continue to improve in the league. With the Nedbank Cup trophy now in their possession, the Chiefs can approach the remainder of the season with renewed confidence and determination.
In conclusion, the Kaizer Chiefs' triumph in the Nedbank Cup final is a significant milestone for the club, symbolizing resilience and the potential for a brighter future. As they celebrate this long-awaited victory, the focus will shift to building a competitive team capable of challenging for the Premiership title once again.
