Chiefs Break a Decade Drought, Claim Nedbank Cup in Epic Derby Victory Over Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs marked the end of a ten-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup, triumphing over Orlando Pirates at the lively Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Yusuf Maart, a former player from the Pirates’ youth ranks, netted the winning goal just eight minutes before the match concluded. He took advantage of confusion in the Pirates’ defense, firing a first-time shot beyond Sipho Chaine.
This Nedbank Cup victory signals the end of an extended period without silverware for Chiefs, whose last title was a league championship during the 2014/15 season. Their most recent domestic cup win occurred when they clinched the MTN8 on September 20, 2014, against the same Orlando Pirates team at this very Durban location.
With this Nedbank Cup achievement, Kaizer Chiefs have earned a place in the CAF Confederation Cup for the forthcoming season.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro faced his first final defeat in South Africa, having previously celebrated five consecutive final wins. The Pirates entered as the defending champions of this tournament, having lifted the trophy for the last two years.
The Chiefs’ lineup featured an unexpected decision, with Brandon Petersen, who had been out since December, taking the place of regular goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma. Bvuma was entirely missing from the match-day squad, while Fiacre Ntwari was placed on the bench.
Prior to kickoff, the stadium was illuminated by a stunning fireworks display, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for what was expected to be a thrilling match filled with scoring opportunities.
The game started with Deano van Rooyen giving away a penalty after tripping Pule Mmodi, prompting referee Masoxole Bambiso to award a spot-kick. Gaston Sirino, who previously shone for Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2019/20 edition, calmly converted the penalty in the 10th minute, giving Chiefs an early advantage.
Chiefs had also begun their league match strongly just a week prior, with Glody Lilepo scoring in the second minute. However, Pirates ultimately came back to win 2-1. This time, history did not repeat itself in the final.
Statistics indicate that Chiefs typically score more in the first 30 minutes while Pirates often find the net from the 55th minute onward.
Just six minutes after Chiefs’ opening goal, Pirates struck back. Dillan Solomons unnecessarily conceded a free kick by obstructing Relebohile Mofokeng. Deon Hotto sent a dangerous free kick into the box, where an unmarked Evidence Makgopa headed it into the goal at the back post.
This quick response led to two goals within the first quarter of the Derby decider, exciting the fans in attendance.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Pirates equalized, with every subsequent offensive play from the Buccaneers met with enthusiastic roars.
Pirates appeared to seize control, dictating the pace and rhythm of the match.
They came close to taking the lead when Mohau Nkota, known for his exceptional performances in critical matches this season, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that Petersen managed to deflect for a corner.
Chiefs’ midfield seemed disoriented, and Inacio Miguel narrowly avoided conceding a penalty when Mofokeng turned him, seemingly handling the ball as the young player fell. Amakhosi escaped that appeal.
Miguel found himself in hot water again shortly after the second half began, pulling Nkota back by the neck as the Pirates player threatened to sprint towards goal, resulting in a yellow card for the Angolan defender.
Despite the break, Chiefs continued to play with a noticeable lack of confidence.
Nkota skillfully navigated into the box again, executing step-overs but ultimately shot wide, marking yet another missed opportunity for Pirates following a Chiefs blunder.
Shortly after the hour mark, Riveiro made a tactical switch, bringing on the relentless Mabasa for Makgopa, who was known for his scoring ability, particularly his hat-trick against Baroka FC in the round of 16.
The match seemed desperate for another goal, but clear chances were dwindling for both teams in Durban.
Both goalkeepers remained largely inactive as much of the action unfolded in midfield.
However, the introduction of Mdu Shabalala for Sirino injected fresh energy into the Chiefs attack. In the 78th minute, Mmodi came heartbreakingly close to scoring, but his shot struck the post.
After a series of sustained attempts, Chiefs finally regained the lead in the 82nd minute. Maart unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that beat Chaine at the near post.
The stadium erupted as Chiefs regained the lead, with the momentum of the match shifting decisively in their favor.
Pirates had a late chance to equalize from a corner kick, but the ball went untouched, needing only the slightest touch to score. Chiefs held their ground to secure a historic victory, claiming their first Nedbank Cup title since defeating SuperSport United at the same Durban venue back in 2013.