Chiefs Crowned Nedbank Cup Champions After Decade without Silverware

Kaizer Chiefs ended a decade-long wait for silverware in dramatic fashion, defeating Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. In front of a sold-out crowd that had begun gathering in the early hours of the morning, Amakhosi delivered a performance filled with grit, determination, and moments of brilliance to lift their first major trophy since 2015.

The match began with high intensity as both sets of fans created a pulsating atmosphere. Chiefs wasted no time asserting themselves, earning a penalty in the 8th minute after Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen was adjudged to have fouled Pule Mmodi inside the box. Despite efforts by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to delay the kick and disrupt the taker’s focus, Gaston Sirino stepped up with calm composure and slotted the ball home, sending the Chiefs supporters into an early frenzy.

Pirates, however, responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Evidence Makgopa rose above the Chiefs defence to head in a superb delivery from a Dean Hotto set-piece, restoring parity and reigniting the contest. The remainder of the first half saw both teams trading possession and probing for opportunities, but the score remained level at the break.

The second half was a more tactical affair, with both sides wary of conceding. Orlando Pirates began to assert more control in midfield, with Mohau Nkota testing Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, who was alert to palm away a low drive. Chiefs, meanwhile, struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Mmodi’s strike in the 78th minute hitting the outside of the post being their best effort for much of the half.

The introduction of substitutes Mduduzi Shabalala and Ashley Du Preez proved to be a masterstroke by Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson. Their energy and creativity injected fresh life into the Chiefs attack. With just ten minutes remaining on the clock, the pair combined beautifully to set up Yusuf Maart, who unleashed a thunderous volley from the edge of the box that flew past Chaine and into the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any final.

The final moments were nervy for Chiefs as Pirates launched a late assault in search of an equaliser. Hotto came closest, but his effort was narrowly off-target, and the Chiefs defence held firm under pressure. As the final whistle blew, scenes of jubilation erupted both on the pitch and in the stands as Kaizer Chiefs celebrated a long-awaited triumph.

This victory not only ends a ten-year trophy drought for the club but also signifies a shift in the domestic football landscape. It halts Orlando Pirates' recent dominance in the competition, with the Buccaneers having won the previous two Nedbank Cups. For coach Jose Riveiro, it marks a disappointing end to his tenure, finishing his third season without any silverware. For Kaizer Chiefs, however, it may be the dawn of a new and promising era.