Kaizer Chiefs’ season continues to unfold like a torn script, its narrative frayed by missed chances and chapters of regret. Just when the tide seems ready to turn, it retreats, leaving behind the footprints of another faltered step. A 2–1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby was hardly a surprise, given the shaky form they have carried into this crucial encounter. As the season’s final moments tick away, it remains to be seen whether they can gather enough momentum to finish in the top half — an accomplishment that would mark a slight redemption after a year filled with disappointment.
It was in the 24th minute that the contest decisively tilted, with Evidence Makgopa’s equaliser leading Chiefs to relinquish control and handing the Buccaneers the platform to complete a league double over them. Yet, all is not written. Those opening 24 minutes may offer a thread of hope, as the story between these two giants pauses only briefly. A potentially historic chapter awaits in the Nedbank Cup, where both sides are set to meet once again — this time on neutral ground at Moses Mabhida Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).
Coach Nasreddine Nabi has been entrusted with the heavy task of restoring Amakhosi to their former glory, and while reaching the final could be viewed as a monumental achievement after a decade-long trophy drought, it will not truly be seen as such unless they clinch the title. The Tunisian believes that winning the final could be the defining moment of their fragile season. “I do not think there is going to be any special pressure,” said Nabi, looking ahead to the final. “I have a sense of responsibility going into the final. It’s true that we have that final to save our season, and the players, management, and technical staff know that everyone has to take their chance to put a smile on the fans’ faces.
“We played against a very good Pirates side, but at some point we gave them a breather. We felt that they were a little bit fatigued, but we let them come back alive. Still, we know the players are going to respond very positively and will be up for the challenge in the upcoming final.”
Amakhosi were missing the key services of Wandile Duba, who was suspended for the contest after exceeding the number of bookings. Having him back — along with Thabo Cele, who was introduced in the second half — will give the Glamour Boys a much-needed spark in attack. Duba has scored six goals in all competitions, including a crucial goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2–1 win in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, continuing his good form since being moved into the centre-forward position.
“It’s true that Duba has been a player who is important for our system,” Nabi added. “Those who played also showcased themselves and showed they are capable of doing the job. But in the end, when you’re missing a player like Duba, offensively you are missing something — because he is in very good form. Cele is coming back from injury; he hasn’t fully trained and was not 100% fit to start the match.”
After snatching all three points, completing a league double, and ultimately claiming the bragging rights, Orlando Pirates will be looking to put a nail in the coffin in their dominance over Kaizer Chiefs this season when they go into the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday. Amakhosi and the Buccaneers will be going round two in the Soweto derby when they meet again in the space of seven days at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The two sides set the tone of the iconic fixture yesterday in their Betway Premiership encounter, when coach Jose Riveiro’s men came from behind to salvage an impressive 2-1 win over hapless Amakhosi at the FNB Stadium yesterday. Glody Lilepo opened the scoring for the Glamour Boys two minutes into the game, but Evidence Makgopa found an equaliser, then Relebohile Mofokeng came out of nowhere in the game and produced the winning goal for the Bucs.
The result means Pirates are still on track in their chase for the elusive league title that they last won 13 years ago. Chiefs, on the other hand, are still forcing their way inside the top eight and are at risk of finishing outside of it once again this season. They could, however, save their disappointing campaign under the new regime of Nabi by clinching the Nedbank Cup and finally ending their decade-long trophy drought.
Nabi will be going up against a Riveiro who is desperate to end his last dance at the club by defending the Nedbank Cup for the third time in a row, like he did with the MTN8 at the start of the season. “Coach Jose Riveiro needs to defend the Nedbank Cup trophy, considering that this will be his last dance at the club and final Soweto derby match,” Happy Jele told Sunday World ahead of the final.
“It goes without saying that the spirit of the Soweto derby is duly rejuvenated, as there was excitement and euphoria inside the calabash. The fixture is still celebrated and honoured by top celebrities and top politicians like Blade Nzimande. As expected, emotions were high when the airplane flew over the fully packed stadium shortly after kick-off. The same atmosphere is expected going into the final on Saturday in Durban.
Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is expected to be sold out in the quickest ever time in domestic football. Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 on Monday morning for this blockbuster fixture. The general admission ticket has been pegged at R150. This will be the second meeting between the Soweto giants in consecutive weeks after they met at FNB Stadium over the past weekend.
Pirates were 2-1 winners in what was another sold-out affair as has become tradition in recent years. Saturday’s final, set for an afternoon kick-off at 15:30, will come with Chiefs seeking to end a 10-year wait for silverware, while Bucs push for their sixth trophy in three years. No information has been given on the number of tickets expected to go on sale at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which has a capacity of 56 000.
The PSL has already indicated that each person will be limited to a purchase of a maximum of four tickets. Tickets will be sold online and from Open Tickets outlets nationwide, including Shoprite and Checkers stores. Hospitality packages will also be available from Monday morning. Matches between Chiefs and Pirates have attracted near-capacity crowds at FNB Stadium throughout the years.
Saturday’s match will be the first final between the two rivals since Nedbank took over as sponsors of this competition in 2008. The last final between these two giants in this competition was in 2006 when Absa were still the sponsors.
Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs face a defining title moment in the Nedbank Cup final. The Nedbank Cup final will be a decisive game for coach Nasreddine Nabi who is under fire following a dismal run in the league with Kaizer Chiefs.
