As the Kaizer Chiefs gear up for the much-anticipated Nedbank Cup final against their fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, the pressure mounts on head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The match, set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 15h00, presents a crucial opportunity for the Chiefs to end a nine-year trophy drought.
Currently sitting in 9th place in the Betway Premiership standings, the Chiefs have endured a challenging season under Nabi, who took over the managerial role at the start of the campaign. The expectations were sky-high following his appointment, especially after the club finished in 10th place last season. However, after 26 matches this season, the Chiefs have only managed to secure eight victories while suffering a staggering 12 losses.
Despite these struggles in the league, the Chiefs have managed to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup by reaching the final of the Nedbank Cup, which has brought a glimmer of hope amid a disappointing league campaign. The last time the Amakhosi reached a domestic cup final was six years ago, and the team is eager to make this opportunity count.
In the lead-up to the final, two senior players, Gaston Sirino and Inacio Miguel, voiced their concerns about a recurring issue that has plagued the team this season. During separate interviews at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, both players noted that the team often scores a goal and then relaxes, rather than pushing for a second. This tendency has cost them dearly, as they have failed to win five games after taking the lead, including recent losses to Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates, where they were unable to maintain their advantage.
Sirino, a 34-year-old attacker formerly with Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasized the need for the team to maintain focus and intensity throughout the match. “Sometimes in a game you’re leading by 1-0 and you can score another one. And sometimes when you don’t do it, it’s difficult for us,” he said. He added, “We need to push, fight, and control the game more. Sometimes we play well, but we lose. So many games where we played well and still, we lose.”
Meanwhile, Miguel echoed Sirino’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of consistency. “The biggest issue we’ve had this season is consistency,” he stated. Both players are confident that if they can improve their performance and maintain their focus, they have what it takes to secure victory against the reigning Nedbank Cup champions.
As the Chiefs prepare for the final, questions about Nabi’s future have surfaced, particularly after the team’s recent 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in league action. Insiders suggest that despite the scrutiny, the club’s management remains firmly behind him, assuring him of their support even in light of the recent disappointing results. Reports have circulated that Nabi must win the Nedbank Cup to keep his job, but sources close to the club indicate that management believes in his long-term vision.
“I don’t think we can say Nabi is feeling the heat but obviously the pressure is there,” an insider shared. “You know he came highly recommended and the results have not really been good and that’s what puts pressure on him. But we can’t say he is feeling the heat, because management is supporting him.”
Another source added, “If he was feeling the heat then management would not be assuring him that he will be here next season. So, it’s apparently believed that management is with him in this journey and they believe that things will improve.”
Nabi’s inconsistent results have left the Chiefs in a precarious position, as they must now focus on the cup final to salvage their season. A victory in the Nedbank Cup final would not only end a decade-long wait for silverware but also serve as a significant boost to Nabi’s standing within the club.
As the countdown to the final begins, the Chiefs are determined to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that fans have been longing for. With the support of their loyal fanbase and the weight of history on their shoulders, the Amakhosi are ready to face their rivals in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Kick-off is set for 15h00 on Saturday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Kaizer Chiefs as they aim to reclaim their status as one of South Africa’s premier football clubs.
