A state-of-the-art multipurpose sports court was officially handed over to Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema, Springs on Wednesday.

This initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Nedbank Cup reigning champions, Kaizer Chiefs.

This milestone marks the 10th facility delivered to a community through the Nedbank Cup community upliftment programme, underscoring a shared commitment to youth development and social impact through sport.

As part of the 2024/2025 Nedbank Cup season prize, Kaizer Chiefs nominated Phulong Secondary School in the Ekurhuleni region to receive this tangible benefit, recognising the team's dedication throughout the tournament.

Thrilled to receive the new facility, Phulong Secondary School principal, Mr Jabulani Nyoni said: "We are extremely grateful to be entrusted with this multipurpose sports court. This contribution is incredibly important for the future of our learners, and it will never be forgotten. 

"We sincerely thank Nedbank, Kaizer Chiefs, and The Sports Trust for investing in our children's future. This initiative will inspire and empower our learners to pursue their dreams, both academically and in sport."

The court, designed to accommodate five sporting codes – soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball and tennis – is the first of its kind in Kwa-Thema built by Nedbank and The Sports Trust. It will benefit the school's 1 503 learners as well as other schools in the broader Kwa-Thema community.

Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank group executive for marketing and corporate affairs, highlighted the significance of the initiative: "This court embodies the spirit of the Nedbank Cup – Ke Yona Ya Rona, the one that belongs to us all. Our continued investment in communities to unearth the next generation of athletes, aligned with our goal to ensure that sports fans tangibly benefit from supporting their favourite teams, is central to our sports sponsorship ethos.

"Social cohesion through sport plays a vital role in nation-building and fostering a sense of belonging in the communities we serve. Nedbank remains committed to driving synergy between sport, community upliftment, and empowering partnerships in our societal building journey."

Jessica Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs commercial and marketing director, added: "A facility of this magnitude, with a 20-year lifespan and eco-friendly design, will unlock the potential of young people by providing a safe, inclusive space for growth. As Nedbank Cup champions, we are proud to stand alongside our partners to hand over a court that will create a lasting impact for the entire community."

Deputy minister of sport, arts and culture, Peace Mabe, commended the initiative: "Investments like these go beyond sport. They strengthen communities, shape character, and create opportunities for our youth. This court stands as a testament to grassroots development and will play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of sporting talent, while promoting wellness and unity."

In addition to the court handover, Nedbank donated soccer kits to five schools: Phulong Secondary, Nkumbulo Secondary, Labani Motlhabi Secondary, Themba Lizakulu Primary and Masimini Primary.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also handed over kits to five local football clubs: Ace Auto Ayoba FC, Home Sweepers FC, Real Barcelona FC, Youth Achievers FC and Kwa-Thema Disability FC.

This initiative forms part of Nedbank's broader commitment to community development through its Sports Affinity programme, which has raised over R46 million over the past 30 years to fund sports infrastructure and initiatives.

Mervin Green, nominated trustee of The Sports Trust, remarked: "For over 10 years, our partnership with Nedbank has enabled us to build world-class courts in communities that need them most. These facilities become more than just sports grounds; they are spaces of empowerment, talent development, and unity. We are proud to work alongside clubs like Kaizer Chiefs that choose to invest in its communities."

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro cut a disappointed figure after his side went down in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup, ending his winning run in the competition as he comes to the end of his tenure with the Buccaneers.

This is what he said at the post-final press conference after Chiefs snatched a 82nd minute winner to end their long trophy drought:

“It was an ugly match. We didn’t see too much football, both sides were fighting the elements. The game was affected quite early by a penalty and we had to try to come back one more time but we managed to do it. I think in the first half we were territorially superior, only some problems to deal with (Pule) Mmodi on the left, but everything else, I think it was quite under control from our side.

“We had an opportunity to score a second goal but Relegobile’s (Mofokeng) action in the box was not rewarded with a penalty. In the second half, the game became even more ugly, more physical, more interruptions with little momentum in the last 20 minutes.

“When both sides put subs on, again it became a little bit more open, but not really under control and in that particular moment, they managed to score the second goal and it was impossible for us to generate enough in the last 10 minutes. That's it really. Congratulations to Kaizer Chiefs for the winning trophy.”

Jose Riveiro struggles to hide the pain ☠️🗣️#SSDiski | #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/bqNzkPXaON

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

Do you feel like your long schedule this season worked against you?

“There's no way I can measure the impact of the schedule. It’s a subjective reflection. If we go to the data, probably, I can give you a better explanation. We are in the end of the season, we are in May, we are playing the last games of the season. But there's nothing we can do. We have a lot of games in our legs because we have been doing very well in every competition. We are very lucky to play tonight. I think it's our game number 44 or somewhere around that number (48 in fact).

“But it's for a good reason because we had a long run in the Champions League, we had a long run in the Nedbank Cup, we had a long run in the MTN8. But we managed to compete very well in every competition, so it can never be an excuse. We have to deal with the fatigue, we have to deal with all the elements in front of us to be what we want to be … cup winners. Today, we couldn't do it.”

You have come from behind before to win big games. Was there a part of you that believed that your boys would do it again after you went behind early?

“What you are saying is an accumulation of experiences in big games where most of the times things don't start for us the way we want it, and we have to show a special character, the special courage and resilience, and today was yet another.

“We arrived in the last stages of the game, probably not as sharp as usual. Chiefs were really pushing and putting the game more close to Sipho (Chaine) than (Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper) Brandon Petersen and in that particular moment, I think they were better than us. And we couldn't manage to arrive in the last part of the game, spending more time in their side.”

What’s tougher, losing the semifinal in the Champions League last month in Cairo or today’s final?

“Both. Both. Yeah. Again even against Sekhukhune recently. And you know, each and every game that we lose hurts. You can ask the players the way they feel and for me is the same. For me, every game is an opportunity to beat somebody, and when you don't do it and you are competitive, you don't sleep.

“I understand that today was a big game, it's a final that we’ve lost. And tomorrow we go again because Tuesday we're going to face a test one more time in the league (at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows). This is football, this is competition. And losing a final like today is an opportunity for everyone, everyone to understand how difficult it is to win the finals and what this group did in the past five finals in a row, is something exceptional, it's something that we have to give value to, but going back to your question, I cannot tell you which one is more painful.

“The pain is the same because the way you visualise your day, today is different than the way that is going to end. Now we have to beat Arrows in a few days and then play TS Galaxy and so on. Like I said, we don't have to feel sorry. The pity party ends tomorrow morning and we start to prepare for the next one because it's important to win the next match after a day like today.

“We'll cry a little bit tonight, metaphorically, and tomorrow we have to regroup, we have to travel back home, we have to recover. Like I said, we cannot feel sorry for ourselves.”

How do you just sum up your legacy as Pirates coach?

“That's going to be for you to do in the future, and the fans but for me, the importance is my players. I don't really mind about everybody else's opinion. The only things that matters for me is what my players and the people who work with me think about me, as a person, as a coach and that's the legacy for me.

“Then there's the fans, who I think are extremely proud of the development of the club in these three years, the dignity, the professionalism, the competitiveness of this group over the three seasons.

“The trophies as well as the experiences in the Champions League, and the new players to admire, to have in their hearts. There's a lot of positive things about my club, about my team. And that's the most important thing. But for me personally, I just want to be remembered by these people as a good person, that's it.”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed his relief at Nedbank Cup final success on Saturday, feeling their 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium would allow him to continue at the club.

Skipper Yusuf Maart drilled home a dramatic 82nd minute winner to end Chiefs’ 10-year trophy drought and arguably kept Nabi in his job after a poor league campaign with the club outside the top eight places with two matches still to play.

“I'm happy for this trophy today because maybe it has helped me to continue my process. And maybe it has helped to give more confidence to the fans,” he told the post-final press conference.

Introducing your 2024/25 #NedbankCup Champions ✌️🏆#SSDiski | #NedbankCupFinal pic.twitter.com/OShIWvMKMb

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

“Maybe they’ll understand how important the process of building their team is. Sometimes things don’t go your way right away, and you need maybe time to suffer and to rebuild, to be better.”

Nabi said it had been a hard-fought victory, with Chiefs leading through Gaston Sirino’s early penalty but only for seven minutes before Evidence Makgopa equalised.

“Obviously, we have to agree that it wasn't a very nice final, not very entertaining but, you know, in these kind of finals, you don't play it, you win it.

“After we conceded the equaliser to Pirates we had a bit of worry that mentally we'd collapse, as it was in the previous games, but we got through our tough moments until halftime where we tried to reorganise ourselves, to be more compact.

“We believe that the changes that we made with Ox (Sibongiseni Mthethwa), (Mdu) Shabalala and Ashley (du Preez) gave us more energy, more balance to get back into the game and to control more the game and to score the second goal,” Nabi added.

Look at what it means to Kaizer Chiefs 🥹🔥#NedbankCup | #NedbankCupFinal pic.twitter.com/0TREGsFHM5

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

WINNING CUP ONE STEP IN THE 'PROCESS'

Nabi said winning the cup was a step in his often-mentioned “process”.

“It's very important. A trophy for the club, it's management and for the entire staff of the team. Plus the fans.

“But the first objective for myself is the process of re-building and putting Kaizer Chiefs back in its natural position.

🗣️ Kuphuka Nyambose

Waze Wajabula u-S'bongiseni Mthethwa 🤩#NedbankCup | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/1T9zfPNrEs

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

“This is my first objective. After that, I go home,’ He added.

Nabi had surprised in his selection by fielding Brandon Petersen in goal despite his not having played since December, dropping Bruce Bvuma after 23 successive games in the Chiefs’ goal.

“There was a kind of an extreme pressure on Bruce Bvuma these last few weeks, and we believe that it was an inhuman amount of pressure on him and we wanted to protect him, but as well, we noticed that the three goalkeepers have the almost the same level, but Brandon Petersen has been training tremendously.

“Don't for one minute think that this was an easy decision, because it could have gone any either way.

“But our goalkeeper coach was confident that he had put in the work with Brandon Peterson and we believe that through the 90 minutes, he proved that it was an excellent bet,” the Chiefs coach added.

Kaizer Chiefs defeated arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon, ending a decade-long trophy drought.

Yusuf Maart scored a superb goal late on to secure victory for the Amakhosi, who had taken an early lead via a Gaston Sirino penalty, only to be pegged back by an equaliser from Evidence Makgopa.

The result sees Chiefs claim a first piece of major silverware since 2015, when they won the Premiership title in the first tenure of coach Stuart Baxter, while the Buccaneers missed out on equalling their own record of a hat-trick of National Cup triumphs.

𝐊𝐀𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ✌️🟡

Amakhosi end their 𝐓𝐄𝐍-𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 drought 🏆#NedbankCup | #NedbankCupFinal pic.twitter.com/GSI3gYtvuC

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

Chiefs were awarded a debatable penalty early in the match when Pule Mmodi appeared to be tripped up by Deano van Rooyen.

Gaston Sirino took the spot kick and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 10th minute.

Gastón Sirino keeps his cool 🥶🧊

📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/TMAULRcwz6

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

Pirates needed just seven minutes to draw level at 1-1, with Evidence Makgopa – who scored his team’s equaliser in the league match between the teams last weekend – powering home a header after meeting a fine free kick from Deon Hotto.

Something off the training ground for Pirates ☠️💥

📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/pZKkLvNeax

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

The Buccaneers nearly claimed the lead on 35 minutes via Mohau Nkota, who cut inside from the right and fired a low shot on target, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made a sharp save at his near post.

The score remained 1-1 through halftime and into the second half, with Pirates making the first substitution just past the hour mark when they swopped out Makgopa for Tshegofatso Mabasa, while Chiefs responded by sending on rugged midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa.

The Amakhosi enjoyed a strong spell of pressure with about 15 minutes of regulation time remaining, with Mmodi notably striking the post with a crisp volley in the 78th minute after fine work from another sub, Mduduzi Shabalala.

And just two minutes later the team in gold and black were rewarded with a second goal, as Yusuf Maart latched onto Ashley du Preez’s cross from the right of the penalty area and drilled home a low strike off the left foot to make it 2-1.

Yusuf Maart strikes for Chiefs 🤩💥

📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/iGpx01gbrU

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

Pirates pushed hard in the dying minutes for an equaliser, coming closest via Hotto, who struck a fine effort on target direct from a free kick but was denied by a sharp save from Petersen.

Mabasa also had a glancing header from a corner kick which flashed across the goal mouth and passed just wide of the far post.

Look at what it means to Kaizer Chiefs 🥹🔥#NedbankCup | #NedbankCupFinal pic.twitter.com/0TREGsFHM5

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 10, 2025

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Sirino 10’ pen, Maart 80’)

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Makgopa 17’)

Chiefs: Petersen, Solomons, Kwinika, Miguel, Dove, Maart (Castillo 88’), Cele (Mthethwa 63’), Lilepo (Matlou 88’), Sirino (Shabalala 73’), Mmodi, Duba (Du Preez 73’)

Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen (Shandu 86’), Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Makhaula (Dlamini 74’), Mbatha, Nkota (Kimvuidi 74’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Makgopa (Mabasa 62’)

Players from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will hope to go down in local football folklore by scoring a Nedbank Cup final winner when the teams meet in the decider of this year’s competition at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

It will be a chance to not only earn their team silverware, but also be remembered for years to come, with cup final heroes living long in the memory.

Kermit Erasmus has three Nedbank Cup final goals to his name, the only player to have managed that number in the decider since 2008.

He is also the only player to have scored for two different clubs in the final, once for SuperSport United in their 2012 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, before grabbing a brace for Pirates in their 3-1 success against Bidvest Wits two years later.

He is not the only player in the Buccaneers squad looking to add to their final tally though – Pirates midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo netted the winner for TTM in the 2021 victory over Chippa United, but was then sent off the following year as Marumo Gallants lost to Sundowns. He will also have revenge on his mind.

He could play in the final for a remarkable fifth successive season, a rare feat indeed.

Tapelo Xoxi scored from the penalty spot for Pirates as they beat Sekhukhune United in 2023, while Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng were on target as they defeated Sundowns to retain their title last year.

Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa scored a famous goal for TS Galaxy in the 2019 final while on loan at the then-second-tier side, helping the club to a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. But he has not featured for the club this season.

On the Chiefs side, Gaston Sirino will be hoping to become the second player to net for multiple clubs. He scored the winner for Sundowns in the 2020 decider against Bloemfontein Celtic, but has since moved to Chiefs.

30 GOALSCORERS

There have been 30 separate Nedbank Cup final goalscorers down the years, but only five of those have managed more than one strike, while there have also been two unfortunate own goals.

Aside from Erasmus’ three goals, there are four more strikers on two goals, though only one who is still active in the domestic game.

Sifiso Vilakazi netted a brace for Wits as they lifted the title in 2010, while a year later Thulasizwe Mbuyane scored twice for Pirates as they beat Black Leopards 3-1.

The other two are Jeremy Brockie and Bradley Grobler, both for SuperSport United in successive final wins over Pirates in 2016 and 2017. Grobler remains a Matsatsantsa player.

The two own goals, thankfully, did not result in defeats as former Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa put the ball into his own net in 2011, but his side still won 3-1 against Leopards, and Clayton Daniels did likewise in the colours of SuperSport against Pirates in 2016. Matsatsantsa claimed a 3-2 victory.

Among the other scorers, notable winners have come from Lerato Chabangu (Sundowns) in 2008 and Goodman Dlamini (Free State Stars) in 2018.

NEDBANK CUP FINAL GOALSCORERS (since 2008)

3 goals – Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport United 1, Orlando Pirates 2)

2 – Jeremy Brockie (SuperSport United), Bradley Grobler (SuperSport United), Thulasizwe Mbuyane (Orlando Pirates), Sifiso Vilakazi (BidVest Wits)

1 – Michael Boxall (SuperSport United), Lerato Chabangu (Mamelodi Sundowns), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates), Vinicius Da Silva (Moroka Swallows), Sede Dion (Marumo Gallants), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Goodman Dlamini (Free State Stars), Zakhele Lepasa (TS Galaxy), Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Luvuyo Memela (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sifiso Myeni (Orlando Pirates), Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (TTM), Kingston Nkhatha (SuperSport United), Bernard Parker (Kaizer Chiefs), Fabricio Rodrigues (BidVest Wits), Thabo September (SuperSport United), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gaston Sirino (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jabulani Shongwe (BidVest Wits), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Sekhukhune United), Tapelo Xoki (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Own goals – Clayton Daniels (SuperSport United), Rooi Mahamutsa (Orlando Pirates)

Just a week after meeting in the Betway Premiership, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will renew their iconic rivalry Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

MATCH BACKGROUND

Orlando Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium in last weekend’s Premiership clash, to complete a league ‘double’ and continue their dominance their Soweto rivals (the Buccaneers have won their last five successive matches against the Amakhosi).

And a repeat performance on Saturday in Durban would see Jose Riveiro’s side win the Nedbank Cup for a third successive season.

This would match Pirates’ record of back-to-back-to-back National Cup title wins set 50 years ago when they won the 1973, 1974 and 1975 editions of the tournament, known as the Life Challenge Cup at the time.

The Buccaneers have won the Nedbank Cup 10 times overall, and earned their shot at an 11th triumph thanks to wins over Richards Bay (3-1 away), Baroka FC (3-1 home), SuperSport United (on penalties after a 2-2 draw away) and Marumo Gallants (1-0 home).

Build Up #NedbankCupFinal

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/N9HCS9RWq7

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 8, 2025

They also come into the match on the back of successive league wins, following up their 2-1 victory over Chiefs with a triumph by the same scoreline over Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Chiefs are the most successful club in Nedbank Cup history, winning the tournament 13 times.

However, their last triumph was in 2013 and they come into the final desperate to break a trophy drought which stretches back a decade: their last piece of silverware was the Premiership title in 2014-15, when Stuart Baxter was still in his first tenure at the club.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: In the 2012/2013 season, Kaizer Chiefs won the #NedbankCup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium against SuperSport.

Could we see scenes like this on Saturday? 👀#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/UajxtViTKp

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 8, 2025

And manager Nasreddine Nabi’s future at the club may depend on the outcome of this final.

Chiefs’ underwhelming league campaign (they are struggling to finish in the top half of the table) has put major pressure on the Tunisian tactician, but ending the trophy drought may be enough to buy him a second season in charge at Naturena.

Is this a good omen for Kaizer Chiefs?

In the five #NedbankCup finals they've played, they've won three.

*𝐏𝐒𝐋 𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 pic.twitter.com/yyLPaE3U0r

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 8, 2025

The Amakhosi earned their place in the final with wins over Free Agents (4-0 home), Chippa United (3-0 home), Stellenbosch FC (3-1 away) and Mamelodi Sundowns (2-1 away).

However, they come into the clash on the back of three winless matches, with a 0-0 draw against Chippa United followed by home losses to Marumo Gallants and Pirates.

TEAM NEWS

Chiefs will be without Bradley Cross due to suspension, though Wandile Duba is available again after missing last weekend’s action with a one-match ban.

Given Msimango, Reeve Frosler and Rushwin Dortley are out with long-term injuries, while Thabo Cele and Inacio Miguel are likely to recover from knocks and be available for selection.

Pirates are set to be without Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Sesane, Thabiso Lebitso and Zakhele Lepasa due to injuries.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thalente Mbatha return to availability after serving their respective two- and one-game bans.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi on the pressure of trying to win the Nedbank Cup and ending their trophy drought:

“Trust me when I say the players know about the responsibility and this chance. I’m 100 per cent convinced about that, but we don’t need to put excessive pressure on the players because if you reach the red line of pressure, the result is negative.

"You need to find the balance. But trust me, the players want this, particularly after losing the derby. The season has not been easy for them, but I have observed the desire, aggressiveness, and all this here at training. It is even going to be difficult to choose the team to start because all the players want to give 200 per cent."

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has played down the prospect of a hat-trick of Nedbank Cup triumphs:

“Right now, this one matters and the next one – the others [from the past] are a memory, so we continue, we are in sport and we continue evolving in the sport, we want to do more.

“The record itself doesn't matter, but it matters that we're not just happy going to a final, being there for a party and fireworks – it's nice to be there, but when it's time to go, we go with the intention to be competitive, try to be better than the opponent and [win].”

KEY PLAYERS

Kaizer Chiefs, Inacio Miguel

The Angolan defender has scored three times in Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup campaign and has played a key role in bringing them to the final. Inacio Miguel will need to balance his defensive work against Pirates’ dangerous forwards with offering a threat at the other end from set pieces.

Orlando Pirates, Relebohile Mofokeng

After netting the winner against Kaizer Chiefs in last weekend’s league encounter, Relebohile Mofokeng added to his burgeoning reputation for scoring key goals in big games. Doing the same again in this Nedbank Cup final will guarantee a place in Orlando Pirates folklore.

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS

In head-to-head terms, Chiefs and Pirates have met in 29 cup matches since 1987, with the Buccaneers claiming 12 wins compared to nine for the Amakhosi, while eight games have been drawn.

The teams’ most recent cup meeting was in the semifinals of the 2022-23 Nedbank Cup, with Pirates winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Kermit Erasmus and Sandile Mthethwa, while their last meeting in the National Cup final was in 2005-06 (when it was known as the Absa Cup), with Chiefs triumphing on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

1987 Mainstay final Chiefs 1-1 Pirates Madida; Moloi

1987 Mainstay final rp Pirates 0-1 Chiefs Thindwa

1988 Bob Save final rp Chiefs 0-0 Pirates

1988 Bob Save final rpay Pirates 2-1 Chiefs Steenkamp, Maake; Mangena

1991 BP Top 8 quarterfinal Chiefs 2-1 Pirates Khumalo, MacGregor; Maake

1991 Castle Challenge final Chiefs 2-1 Pirates Khuse, Madida; Steenkamp

1992 Coca-Cola 1st round Chiefs 3-2 Pirates Madida 2 (1 pen), Bwalya; Tsoane, Nyathi

1993 Bob Save semifinal Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Khumalo

1996 Bob Save semifinal Chiefs 1-4 Pirates Modise; Sikhosana 3, Mkhalele

1997/98 Bob Save 2nd round Chiefs 0-1 Pirates Pam

1998/99 Rothmans sf, 1st leg Chiefs 3-1 Pirates Ndlanya 2, Batchelor; Ngake

1998/99 Rothmans sf, 2nd leg Pirates 1-0 Chiefs Zuma

2001/02 BP Top 8 semifinal Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Niemach

2005/06 Absa Cup final Chiefs 0-0* Pirates

2009/10 Telkom semifinal Pirates 0-0* Chiefs

2010/11 MTN8 sfinal, 1st leg Pirates 1-1 Chiefs Chansa; Musona

2010/11 MTN8 sfinal, 2nd leg Chiefs 0-1 Pirates Mashego

2010/11 Telkom final Pirates 0-3 Chiefs Ngcobo 2, Tshabalala

2011/12 MTN8 final Pirates 1-0 Chiefs Manyisa

2013/14 MTN8 sfinal, 1st leg Chiefs 0-1 Pirates Klate

2013/14 MTN8 sfinal, 2nd leg Pirates 1-1 Chiefs Bacela (pen); Parker

2014/15 MTN8 final Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Mashamaite

2015/16 Telkom semifinal Chiefs 0-0* Pirates

2015/16 Nedbank, last 32 Pirates 2-0 Chiefs Ndoro 2

2018/19 Telkom semifinal Chiefs 1-2 Pirates Castro; Lorch, Shonga

2019/20 Telkom quarterfinal Chiefs 2-2* Pirates Castro, Cardoso (pen); Makaringe, Mhango

2020-21 MTN8 sfinal, 1st leg Pirates 3-0 Chiefs Lepasa, Pule, Lorch

2020-21 MTN8 sfinal, 2nd leg Chiefs 0-2 Pirates Makaringe, Mntambo

2022-23 Nedbank, semifinal Chiefs 1-2 Pirates Maart; Erasmus, Mthethwa

(*Chiefs won on penalties)

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Pirates 0-1 Chiefs Manyama

2020/21 Pirates 2-1 Chiefs Lorch, Ndlovu; Cardoso

2020/21 Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Nurkovic

2021/22 Chiefs 2-1 Pirates Dolly 2 (1 pen); Mntambo

2021/22 Pirates 1-2 Chiefs Peprah; Frosler, Mathoho

2022/23 Pirates 0-1 Chiefs Maart

2022/23 Chiefs 1-0 Pirates Ndah (og)

2023/24 Chiefs 0-1 Pirates Makgopa

2023/24 Pirates 3-2 Chiefs Saleng 2, Lebitso; Du Preez 2

2024/25 Pirates 1-0 Chiefs Maswanganyi (pen)

2024/25 Chiefs 1-2 Pirates Lilepo; Makgopa, Mofokeng

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 29 9 8 12 26 32

Pirates 29 12 8 9 32 26

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 108 40 36 32 115 107

Pirates 108 32 36 40 107 115

As we prepare for the mouth-watering 2025 Nedbank Cup final between Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, we take a moment to look back at the last 17 deciders since the competition was first played in its current guide in 2008.

This will be the first time the Soweto giants clash in the decider in that time and it will add another chapter to the rich history of the competition that has seen some epic performances in finals in the past.   

2008 – Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Mpumalanga Black Aces

Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned champions in Nedbank’s inaugural year of sponsorship after they defeated plucky National First Division side Mpumalanga Black Aces 1-0 in the final at the Johannesburg Stadium. It took a Lerato Chabangu goal three minutes from time to separate the teams as Black Aces threatened yet another upset with an excellent display in the decider.

2009 – Moroka Swallows 1-0 University of Pretoria

For the second year running a side from the National First Division made the final of the Nedbank Cup but again they would fall just short. University of Pretoria had a thrilling run on their way to a meeting with Moroka Swallows at the Rand Stadium in the decider. But they would lose 1-0 after a goal from The Birds’ Brazilian midfielder Vinicius Da Silva. 

2010 – BidVest Wits 3-0 AmaZulu

The final of the 2010 Nedbank Cup was played at the magnificent new Soccer City, the first competitive fixture to be hosted at the iconic venue that months later would stage the Fifa World Cup final. BidVest Wits were victorious with a 3-0 success over AmaZulu, who appeared in their sixth final in the competition, all of which have ended in defeat. Brazilian midfielder Fabricio Rodrigues scored to go with a brace from Sifiso Vilakazi to hand Wits the win.

2011 – Orlando Pirates 3-1 Black Leopards

The 2011 Nedbank Cup will forever be remembered for the run of then third-tier side Baroka FC to the semi-finals, but it was Orlando Pirates who lifted the trophy. Pirates defeated second-tier Black Leopards 3-1 in the decider after falling behind to a Rooi Mahamutsa own goal. Isaac Chansa restored parity before a brace from Thulasizwe Mbuyane sealed the win for The Buccaneers.

2012 – SuperSport United 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

SuperSport United won an all-Tshwane final as they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the decider. Thabo September and Kermit Erasmus scored in each half to hand Matsatsantsa victory, and deservedly so as they outplayed their rivals on the day. The tournament will also be remembered for the record victory in South African professional football as Sundowns thumped fourth-tier Northern Cape side Powerlines FC 24-0.

2013 – Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 SuperSport United

Kaizer Chiefs claimed the 2013 Nedbank Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over defending champions SuperSport United in the final, Bernard Parker grabbing the only goal in extra-time. The biggest shock of the tournament came when third-tier Maluti FET College from the Free State thumped Orlando Pirates 4-1 in the Last 32, arguably the biggest upset in the history of the Nedbank Cup competition.

2014 – Orlando Pirates 3-1 BidVest Wits

Orlando Pirates made up for their bitter disappointment the year before by claiming the Nedbank Cup in 2014 after beating BidVest Wits 3-1 in the final.

It was a third final in succession for Wits coach Gavin Hunt, who had joined The Clever Boys from SuperSport at the start of the season. Jabulani Shongwe had given Wits the lead, before a brace from Kermit Erasmus and another goal from former Clever Boy Sifiso Myeni sealed the cup for Pirates. 

2015 – Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Ajax Cape Town 

Mamelodi Sundowns edged Ajax Cape Town’s youngsters in a penalty shoot-out after the teams had played to a 0-0 draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Ajax’s Abbubaker Mobara had the opportunity to win it in the shoot-out, but when he missed, Sundowns held their nerve to claim the title.

2016 – SuperSport United 3-2 Orlando Pirates

SuperSport United claimed their second Nedbank Cup title in four years when they defeated Orlando Pirates 3-2 in a pulsating final played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Luvuyo Memela gave Pirates an early lead, before Jeremy Brockie, Bradley Grobler and Michael Boxall sent SuperSport into halftime 3-1 up.

A Clayton Daniels own goal early in the second period, as well as an injury to first-choice keeper Ronwen Williams, set up a pulsating finish, but Pirates could not grab an equaliser.

2017 – SuperSport United 4-1 Orlando Pirates

SuperSport United became the first, and to date only, side to win back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles as they again defeated Orlando Pirates in the decider, this time thumping The Buccaneers 4-1 in the final played in Durban. Bradley Grobler scored a brace for Matsatsantsa, while Jeremy Brockie and Kingston Nkhatha were also on target. Brockie also missed a penalty in the game as Oupa Manyisa netted a late consolation for Pirates from the spot.

2018 – Free State Stars 1-0 Maritzburg United

Free State Stars made history when they lifted the Nedbank Cup for the first time, beating fellow surprise finalists Maritzburg United 1-0 in a dazzling decider at the Cape Town Stadium. Goodman Dlamini scored the only goal of the game just before halftime to secure the trophy for Stars, who also booked a place in African club competition for the first time in their history.

2019 – TS Galaxy 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Second-tier TS Galaxy shocked South African football as they became the first club from outside the top-flight to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy, defeating fancied Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the decider in Durban. The game looked as though it was headed for extra-time before Zakhele Lepasa converted as late penalty for Galaxy to spark wild scenes of celebrations for the history-making Rockets.

2020 – Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Bloemfontein Celtic

A season like no other that had a five-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nedbank Cup final finally took place on September 12, some 220 days after the start of the competition. Mamelodi Sundowns earned their first title win in five years as they edged first-time finalists Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 thanks to a cracking strike from Gaston Sirino on 80 minutes. The match was played at an empty Orlando Stadium with no fans allowed.

2021 – TTM 1-0 Chippa United

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), who would later be rebranded Marumo Gallants, were surprise Nedbank Cup winners under coach Dylan Kerr as they defeated Chippa United 1-0 in the decider. The hero of the day was Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, whose deflected shot was the only goal of the game and will be hoping for a repeat performance for new club Pirates this year.  

2022 – Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns regained the Nedbank Cup title by defeating holders Marumo Gallants 2-1 after extra-time in the decider at the Free State Stadium. Peter Shalulile put Sundowns ahead just past the half-hour mark, but Ivorian forward Sede Dion equalised for the Limpopo outfit.

It looked like the final would be heading for penalties before Thapelo Morena scored a 120th minute winner for The Brazilians, this after the previous year’s final hero, Gallants’ Ndlondlo, had been sent off for two bookable offences.

2023 – Orlando Pirates 2-1 Sekhukhune United

Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in the Nedbank Cup for the first time in nine years as they defeated Sekhukhune United at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. It was a special moment for their Spanish coach Jose Riveiro as he became the first tactician from his country to lift the coveted silverware.

Sibusiso Vilakazi gave Sekhukhune the lead in the first half, before Tapelo Xoki equalised for Pirates from the penalty spot. It looked as though the game would go to extra-time, but Terrence Dzvukamanja popped up with a 95th minute winner to seal the victory for the jubilant Buccaneers.   

2024 – Orlando Pirates 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates made it back-to-back Nedbank Cup wins with a hard-fought victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the decider played at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro became the first coach since Stuart Baxter (2016 & 2017) to retain the Nedbank Cup title, but Pirates fell behind to a goal from Themba Zwane on 54 minutes.

Pirates levelled with a little under 20 minutes to go when Patrick Maswanganyi converted a penalty, and then grabbed the winner four minutes into injury-time with a lovely winner from teenager Relebohile Mofokeng, who was 19 at the time and the youngest scorer in a Nedbank Cup decider.    

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates renew their 55-year-old rivalry as they contest the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to decide the destiny of the trophy this year.

We round up the numbers on the heavyweight decider, their first cup final clash for 11 years.

1 – This is the first Nedbank Cup final since Nedbank started their sponsorship of the competition in 2008 to feature the two Soweto giants Chiefs and Pirates and will in fact be only their third meeting overall in the competition over the last 17 years. Pirates won both the other two clashes.

1 – Only one Nedbank Cup final has gone to penalties when Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town played to a 0-0 draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2015. Sundowns triumphed 4-3 in the shoot-out.

3 – Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will be seeking a third Nedbank Cup title in a row after leading the side to victory in 2023 and 2024. No coach has ever lifted the trophy three years in succession.

3 – Former Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus heads the list of scorers in Nedbank Cup finals since 2008. He netted for SuperSport United as they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2012 final, and then bagged two for Pirates in their 3-1 victory over BidVest Wits in 2014. The only other players to have scored in multiple goals in finals are Jeremy Brockie (SuperSport United), Bradley Grobler (SuperSport United), Thulasizwe Mbuyane (Orlando Pirates) and Sifiso Vilakazi (BidVest Wits).

3 – The biggest wins in a Nedbank Cup final were the 4-1 success for SuperSport United over Pirates in 2017 in Durban, and the 3-0 victory for BidVest Wits over AmaZulu in Johannesburg in 2010. The last seven finals have all been decided by a single goal margin.

4 – Chiefs’ Pule Mmodi and Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa are currently tied at the top of the scorers’ charts in the 2025 Nedbank Cup. They have four goals each and will be looking to add to that tally in the decider and snatch the Golden Boot.

5 – The Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the Nedbank Cup final for the fifth time. Chiefs beat SuperSport 1-0 in 2013, while Pirates defeated BidVest Wits 3-1 the following season. SuperSport then defeated Pirates 4-1 in 2017, before Chiefs lost to second-tier TS Galaxy 1-0 in 2019. So each of Pirates and Chiefs have tasted both victory and defeat at the venue.

7 – Pirates are appearing in a seventh Nedbank Cup final since 2008, a record for any team. They have four wins to their name. It takes them one clear of Sundowns, who have been to six finals (and also won four). Chiefs will appear in a third final in that time after a win in 2013 and a loss to second-tier TS Galaxy in 2019.

7 – The biggest victory in this year’s Nedbank Cup so far remains the 7-0 win for TS Galaxy over CR Vasco da Gama in the Last 32.

10 – The Chiefs are seeking to end a long 10-year wait for silverware. The last trophy they lifted was the league title at the end of the 2024-15 season. It is the longest barren spell in the club’s history.

12 – Chiefs last lifted the Nedbank Cup in 2013 when they defeated SuperSport United 1-0 in the final after a tense battle that went to extra-time. Bernard Parker scored the decisive goals. That win came at the same venue as this year’s final, the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

14 – Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is on a 14-game unbeaten run in the Nedbank Cup. This will be his last fixture before he departs The Buccaneers at the end of the campaign and could end his three-year stay without a loss in the prestigious cup competition.

 

One last dance for Riveiro. Will he make #NedbankCup history and complete the 3-peat? ☠ 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/NHJEJ1stg4

— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) May 6, 2025

 

 

50 – The 2025 Nedbank Cup final will be Chiefs’ 50th match in the competition since 2008. They have won 33, drawn five and lost 11 of the previous 49. Ironically, the 2024 final was Pirates’ 50thgame too as they defeated Sundowns 2-1.

89 – The total number of goals scored in the Nedbank Cup this season from 29 games, an average of 2.93 per game.

100 – Pirates maintained their 100 per cent record in Nedbank Cup semifinals since 2008 with a seventh victory out of seven appearances when they beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 this year. No other team can match that consistency.

After completing a league double over their rivals, Jose Riveiro will go into the Soweto Derby at the Moses Mabhida looking to confirm Orlando Pirates dominance over Kaizer Chiefs  in the Nedbank Cup final.

The match is on this Saturday, 10 May at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2) on the SuperSport PSL channel, as well as on Showmax.

Build-up is from 1:30pm, and the wrap from 5-6pm, so sit back for four-and-a-half hours of Soweto-inspired football drama, see TV Guide for more details.

The Buccaneers defeated Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the first league meeting of the season courtesy of a cheeky 96th-minute penalty from Patrick Maswanganyi, making it five wins in a row in the 55-year history of South Africa’s greatest sporting rivalry.

The second league meeting on 3 May, Pirates came from a goal behind to beat Chiefs 2-1 which could provide a pyschological boost going to the cup final 

Coach Jose Riveiro’s team won both league games last season and the Nedbank Cup semifinal in 2023.

SOWETO DERBY INTERESTING STATS AND FACTS

1: The first meetings in the Nedbank Cup between Chiefs and Pirates came in the 1971 Final; the first game ended 2-2 on 11 December, and Chiefs won the replay 2-1 on 18 December, with goals from Petrus ‘Ten Ten’ Ndzimande and Michael ‘Bizzah’ Dlamini.

2: This will be only the second meeting in the Nedbank Cup Final between the teams in the PSL era (since 1996/97). The other was in 2005/06.

3: The teams once met in three successive Nedbank Cup Finals - in 1975, 1976, and 1977. Pirates won the first one, with Chiefs winning the latter two.

4: Three different coaches have won Nedbank Cup titles in the PSL era. For all three, it was their first cup final as Chiefs coach. Muhsin Ertugral in 1999/2000; Ernst Middendorp in 2005/06 and Stuart Baxter in 2012/13. Nasereddine Nabi can become the fourth Chiefs coach in the PSL era to win the Nedbank Cup in his first season at the helm of the Club.

4: This is the fourth Nedbank Cup Final between Chiefs and Pirates to be played in Kwa-Zulu Natal. In the 1974 Final Pirates defeated Chiefs in Kwa-Mashu, yet Chiefs have won the last two, in 1976 in Umlazi, and at Kings Park in Durban in 2005/06.

5: Kaizer Chiefs’ all- time top scorer in games against Orlando Pirates, Ace Ntsoelengoe, scored 19 goals in Derby games. He managed to score in five Nedbank Cup Finals against Pirates - in 1971, 1975, 1976, 1981, and 1982.

6: Of the teams’ eight previous meetings in the Nedbank Cup Final, Chiefs have won six finals - in 1971, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984 and 2006. Pirates have managed two wins, in 1975 and 1988.

6: The 2024/25 Nedbank Cup is Chiefs’ sixth Nedbank Cup Final in the PSL era. They have won three of their previous five finals appearances - in 1999/00, 2005/06 and 2012/13. They were runners-up in 1998/99 and 2018/19.

9: This will be their ninth meeting between the sides in a Nedbank Cup Final. They have previously met in the final in 1971, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984, 1988 and 2005/06.

11: Kaizer Chiefs have had 11 different coaches at the helm for their 13 Nedbank Cup titles. Thomas Johnson won two titles, as head coach in 1971, and co-head coach along with current club Chairman, Kaizer Motaung in 1972. The Chairman also won the cup as sole head coach in 1977. One other coach, Elkiam Khumalo, has managed to win two titles as Chiefs coach, doing so in 1976 and 1981.

12: This will be Chiefs’ and Pirates’ 12^th match in a Nedbank Cup Final with three finals - 1971, 1981 and 1988 - needing replays to decide a winner.

13: Kaizer Chiefs are the record 13 times Nedbank Cup winners.

20: Kaizer Chiefs will be appearing in their 20^th Nedbank Cup Final, their last coming in 2019.

21: Chiefs and Pirates have met 21 times in the Nedbank Cup in all rounds of the competition. Chiefs have nine wins in regulation time Including extra time), with one win on penalties. Pirates have seven wins, with the remaining for games ending in draws. Their last meeting was in the 2022/23 semi-final, which Pirates won 2-1 after extra-time.

23: Across their 21 previous Nedbank Cup clashes, a total of 46 goals have been scored, with Chiefs and Pirates scoring 23 goals each.

19 510 – When Chiefs and Pirates take to the field at the Moses Mabhida Stadium for the final on 10 May, it will be 19 510 days, or 53 years and 5 months, since their first meeting in the Nedbank Cup on 11 December, 1971.

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HOW AND WHERE TO WATCH

On your big or small screens, front-row tickets are available across SuperSport TV, DStv Stream, Showmax Premier League.

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The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban has been chosen as the venue for the 2025 Nedbank Cup final, with Kaizer Chiefs in particular having mixed memories at the 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

Chiefs will take on Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the marquee fixture on Saturday, the fifth instance that the Nedbank Cup decider has been played at the iconic venue.

It was the scene of Chiefs’ 1-0 win over SuperSport United in the final of the 2013 Nedbank Cup, a game that went to extra-time before Bernard Parker’s long range effort sealed victory.

The last final there in 2019 also involved Chiefs but this time it would end in the bitter disappointment of defeat as they were edged 1-0 by then second-tier TS Galaxy, the only ever instance where a team from outside the topflight has lifted the trophy.

The other two Nedbank Cup finals played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium involved Pirates and they too have bittersweet memories.

The Buccaneers defeated BidVest Wits 3-1 in the 2014 final, but then lost 4-1 to SuperSport United in 2017 for a 50 per cent record in Nedbank Cup finals at the venue.

This will be Pirates’ 11th final at the stadium, including winning the first trophy to be decided there in 2010, just months after the World Cup final, when they edged Moroka Swallows on post-match penalties to lift the MTN8.

SEVEN OF TEN

That was one of seven trophy successes at Moses Mabhida, while they have lost the other three.

It is made up of MTN8 success in 2010, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, plus the 2011 Telkom Knockout and the 2014 Nedbank Cup final.

Pirates lost the 2013 MTN8 final on penalties to Platinum Stars and then again the next year to Chiefs when Tefu Mashamaite scored the only goal of the game. They also lost that 2017 Nedbank Cup decider.

There have been 12 different venues used for a Nedbank Cup final in the 18 years of the competition since 2008, but the Moses Mabhida Stadium has now featured in five of those years.

Last year’s final venue was the Mbombela Stadium, where Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1, and before that Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, where the Buccaneers beat Sekhukhune United 2-1.

And the year before that the final was played at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng in the North West province as Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants by the same scoreline.

Selecting a stadium to host the decider is not as cut and dried as it might seem and there are a number of factors at play.

The first of these is that it is usually in a neutral province, unless both teams are from the same one. An example of this would be the Orlando Stadium, which in 2012 hosted SuperSport United defeating Mamelodi Sundowns.

The only other time the final was staged in Orlando, it was not a neutral venue, though there were extenuating circumstances.

NON-NEUTRAL VENUES OF THE PAST

This was for the 2020 decider when Sundowns beat Bloemfontein Celtic, but domestic football was being played in the Gauteng bio-bubble and so organisers had no other choice.

Other occasions when there was not a neutral venue was in the inaugural season in 2008 as Sundowns beat Mpumalanga Black Aces at the Johannesburg Stadium, and in 2010 when the newly rebuilt FNB Stadium played host to BidVest Wits against AmaZulu.

It was a match to showcase the new venue and South Africa’s readiness for the Fifa World Cup that was to be played that year.

There is just one 2010 World Cup venue that has not yet hosted the Nedbank Cup decider since 2008 – Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Aside from the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Orlando Stadium (2012, 2020) was the only other venue to have hosted multiple Nedbank Cup finals before the Mbombela Stadium (2011, 2024) was added to that list this year.

Other finals have been played at the Johannesburg Stadium (2008), Rand Stadium (2009), FNB Stadium (2010), Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (2015), Peter Mokaba Stadium (2016), Cape Town Stadium (2018), Free State Stadium (2021), Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace (2022) and Loftus Stadium (2023).

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that tickets for the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup Final will go on sale on Monday, 5 May.

The tickets will be available from Open Tickets outlets nationwide, including Shoprite and Checkers stores from 10am on Monday morning.

Spectators may also purchase tickets online via www.opentickets.co.za.

General Access Tickets will be priced at R150 each. To ensure fair access, each person will be limited to purchasing a maximum of four tickets.

Hospitality packages will also be available from Monday morning.

For more information, members of the public may call 082 805 3150 or email booking@sail.co.za.

🚨 #NedbankCupFinal 🚨

The final of the Nedbank Cup between @KaizerChiefs and @orlandopirates on Saturday, 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium will kick off at 15:30.

Ticketing information for the match will be announced in due course. pic.twitter.com/In6bhc3EKY

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 30, 2025

The PSL strongly urges members of the public to exercise caution and only purchase tickets through official channels.

Tickets purchased from third parties will be invalid and will not grant entry to the stadium.

The League further appeals to all football supporters to cooperate with event regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable Nedbank Cup Final for all.

 

Kaizer Chefs coach Nasreddine Nabi praised the mental fortitude of his players after they fought back from a halftime deficit to upset Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday and set up a derby in next month’s Nedbank Cup final.

A second half equaliser from Wandile Duba and a controversial late winner for his replacement Ashley du Preez saw Chiefs win 2-1 away at Loftus Versfeld inn their semifinal tie and advance to meet Orlando Pirates in the May 10 final in Durban.

It kept Chiefs on course for their first trophy in 10 seasons and almost certainly ensured them a spot in next season’s African Confederation Cup.

“We said before that it would be like a card game, very tactical,” Nabi said.

“In the first half we were playing 5-3-2 and we know they always try to pass between the lines. For that, we tried to block them. And I think in the first half, they didn't create a single chance.

“But for us, the problem in the first half was that when we recovered the ball, we immediately lost it. We couldn’t keep the ball. It was tough for us to run, to recover the ball, and then have to restart the plan of the game.”

A clumsy foul by fullback Dillon Solomons gave away a freekick on the stroke of halftime that Tebeho Mokoena struck into the net off the underside of the crossbar for Sundowns to take the lead.

“You know, when you concede a goal in the last minute from a free kick, it's very difficult. Mentally, it's very difficult. But I have to say, congratulations to all our players because they proved that mentally, they were very strong,” added the coach.

“For the second half, we discussed with the players that we tried to correct some mistakes when we recovered the ball. And to be honest with you, I was so sure that our players were 100 per cent ready to react in the second half.”

Duba picked off a mistake from Sundowns defender Lucas Suarez to equalise in the 59th minute. “That gave us more confidence and then I think the game was 50-50 between us and them.

“And then last minute, we scored the second goal. And I have to say congratulations to the fans, for the board, for all the players. They deserve today,” Nabi added.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso claimed Kaizer Chiefs’ late winner in Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal was clearly offside and called for VAR to be introduced in domestic football.

“It’s obvious the goal is offside. If you don’t think so, go back and look at it because it's clear, clear, clear, clear. So when we work in a country that doesn't have a VAR, that's what happens,” he said after Ashley du Preez steered home an 89th minute winner to secure a place in the final for Chiefs.

Late drama at Loftus 🤯

Ashley du Preez is the hero 🤩🔥#SSDiski | #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/wqCLcoE2xV

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Chiefs came from behind to win 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld and book a derby final against Orlando Pirates in Durban on 10 May.

“There's a team that gets knocked out of this competition because of a mistake from the referee. I think we are being penalised enough all through the season regarding refereeing mistakes.

“And today we are out of the competition, four minutes from the end from a goal that is offside,” he said, adding sponsors should help pay for the cost of VAR at the latter stages of a competition like the Nedbank Cup.

Sundowns had been ahead at halftime through Tebeho Mokoena’s freekick but a defensive error from Lucas Saurez allowed Wandile Duba to equalise in the 57th minute.

“We cannot run away from it. There was a mistake. An individual mistake that lead to to a 1-1 scoreline,” added Cardoso, who said the error allowed Chiefs back into the contest.

“Anyway, football is like that, mistakes are capitalised on. I always says that the games are sometimes decided on details. Today, the detail for the opponent came from that mistake.

“But we don't kill no one,” he said of Suarez, who has made similar errors in recent games.

“We rise together and we give the hand to the player and we play to solve the problem. That's what the team did. Obviously that is not easy to concede a goal like that, but we kept the intention to come back and score a second goal. We kept ourselves in the game.”

Cardoso also said Sundowns were hampered by a poor mental approach in a niggly contest.

“I was not happy because I think we could have played better. Less emotional and more mental, thinking better about what to do in each moment of the game, coping with the intensity. We let ourselves go little bit under the emotions of the game,” he added.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs won through their respective Nedbank Cup semi-final ties to set up the first Soweto derby final in the competition for almost 20 years.

🚨 #𝐍𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰 🚨

We're all set for the Nedbank Cup final ✅@KaizerChiefs will take on @orlandopirates in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday 10 May. pic.twitter.com/nuj9yO4eS8

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 13, 2025

The teams last met in the National Cup final in 2006 – when the competition was known as the Absa Cup – with Chiefs triumphing on penalties after the match ended 0-0 after extra time.

The first semi-final saw Orlando Pirates edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Kabelo Dlamini.

Jose Riveiro is still 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 in the #NedbankCup 😲

Pirates are through to another cup final 🏆⏭️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/8yJbYn0i1p

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

The victory means the Buccaneers have kept alive their hopes of winning the Nedbank Cup for a third straight year – which would see them match the feat of the Pirates team which won the tournament, when it was known as the Life Challenge Cup, three straight times in 1973, 1974 and 1975.

This is the only instance of back-to-back-to-back National Cup triumphs in South African football history.

The second semi was played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and saw Chiefs secure a stunning, come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Brazilians looked set to continue their dominance over Chiefs when Teboho Mokoena put them ahead in injury time before the break, but Wandile Duba capitalised on a defensive mistake to level the game in the second half, and substitute Ashley Du Preez struck late on to complete the turnaround.

It's a Soweto Derby for the 2025 #NedbankCup final ✌️🆚☠️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/JPdGbyQUxa

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

For the Amakhosi, the victory keeps alive their hope of ending a decade-long wait for a trophy.

Pirates and Chiefs are scheduled to meet in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium

NEDBANK CUP SEMIFINAL RESULTS

SUNDAY 13 April

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs claimed a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinal played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday evening.

As a result of their triumph, the Amakhosi will face Soweto derby rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May.

It's a Soweto Derby for the 2025 #NedbankCup final ✌️🆚☠️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/JPdGbyQUxa

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Sundowns created early chances for Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, with the former seeing a deflected shot flash just off target, while the latter latched onto a pass from Marcelo Allende and put an effort over the crossbar.

Midway through the first half, Rayners looked set to put Sundowns into the lead when he got on the end of Lucas Ribeiro’s set-up, but Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made an excellent save to keep the score line blank.

The Soweto side came into the game more after the half-hour mark, with Gaston Sirino drawing a good save from Ronwen Williams with a long-range effort on 34 minutes, while Makabi Lilepo headed wide a short while later.

Sundowns also suffered an injury blow late in the first half when Divine Lunga was stretchered off, with Asehko Tiwani replacing him.

The first half looked set to end goalless, but five minutes into injury time the Brazilians claimed the lead via a brilliant strike direct from a free kick by Mokoena, whose powerful effort went in via the underside of the crossbar and gave Bvuma no chance.

It's a 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 from Teboho Mokoena 🚀🚀

📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/dB93jGi6Ki

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Chiefs fought back in the second half and claimed an equaliser in the 57th minute via Wandile Duba, who intercepted a poor pass from centre-back Lucas Suarez and was able to race into the box before sending a shot home for 1-1.

Sundowns regained control of the game in terms of possession and territory, but they were unable to reclaim their ascendancy on the scoreboard.

And Chiefs then scored a second goal late in the game to secure a famous victory, as George Matlou crossed from the right to pick out fellow substitute Ashley Du Preez, who finished clinically on a tricky half-volley from close range to make it 2-1.

The scenes at Loftus Versfeld 🤩

Chiefs are just one win away from ending their trophy drought 👀🏆#SSDiski | #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/7wBLS9wF8C

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Sundowns will next be in action in the CAF Champions League when they host Al Ahly for the first leg of their semifinal clash next weekend, while Chiefs will be away to Chippa United in the Betway Premiership next Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Mokoena 45+5’)

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 (Duba 57’, Du Preez 89’)

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Suarez (Matthews 90+2’), Lunga (Tiwani 43’), Mokoena, Aubaas (Adams 46’), Allende, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners (Sales 46’)

Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Msimango, Dove, Cross, Cele (Mthethwa 73’), Maart, Lilepo (Shabalala 63’), Sirino (Matlou 73’), Mmodi, Duba (Du Preez 80’)

Orlando Pirates advanced to the final of the Nedbank Cup for the third season running, offering them another chance to defend the title as they defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Jose Riveiro is still 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 in the #NedbankCup 😲

Pirates are through to another cup final 🏆⏭️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/8yJbYn0i1p

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Pirates dominated the first half, having 66 per cent of ball possession throughout.

From the beginning, the home team asserted their dominance, with Deano van Rooyen going for goal within the first five minutes, but Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi was able to make the save.

The Buccaneers were in the driving seat and their breakthrough came in the 22nd minute as Van Rooyen’s through ball to Patrick Maswanganyi gave him the opportunity to drive in a low cross, which was superbly finished by Kabelo Dlamini.

What is it about Orlando Stadium and the #NedbankCup? 🤩

Shades of Pirates' goal against Baroka in this team effort against Marumo 👇👇

📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/0fbRq800gd

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025

Gallants weren’t really able to pose a real threat to the Sea Robbers, as they failed to produce any convincing chances on goal.

Edgar Manaka, however, got the opportunity to make a shot from long range at the stroke of halftime but it was saved by Melusi Buthelezi.

Siwelele sa Marumo made changes in the beginning of the second half to give their attack a boost, and it certainly paid off as the pressure was piled onto Orlando Pirates to hold onto their lead.

In the 69th minute, Evidence Makgopa had a chance to double the lead for Pirates, however, his shot was dragged wide.

Deon Hotto also had an opportunity to score, but Arubi defended his goal well in the 85th.

Three minutes of stoppage time was added, but despite Gallants’ best efforts they could not find the equaliser to extend the match.

Pirates then advanced to the Ke Yona final, giving them a chance to win it for the third time in a row.

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Dlamini 22’)

Marumo Gallants 0

Orlando Pirates: M. Buthelezi, D. van Rooyen, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, P. Mako, M. Makhaula, K. Dlamini (N. Ndlondlo 63’), M. Nkota (R. Mofokeng 63’), P. Maswanganyi (T. Xoki 89’), D. Hotto, E. Makgopa

Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, L. Mabotja, V. Sibiya, M. Mathiane, K. Ncube, S. Nhlapo (S. Sithole 46’), E. Manaka (D. Ndlovu 84’), D. Msendami, M. Nematajela, K. Mahlatsi (J. Dion 71’), M. Khumalo (G. Mhango 46’), E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 79’)

The four remaining coaches in the 2025 Nedbank Cup will be dreaming of lifting the trophy this year, with one seeking a third title in succession and the others all seeking their maiden title having joined their clubs this season.

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is seeking his hat-trick of trophy wins as his defending champions face Marumo Gallants, who are headed their new Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, on Sunday at 3pm.

Later that same evening Mamelodi Sundowns’ Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso will pit his wits against Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is hoping to end his side’s 10-year wait for a piece of silverware. That game kicks-off at 6pm.

Here is a look at the four coaches and their Nedbank Cup record.

MIGUEL CARDOSO

Nedbank Cup record: P3 W3 D0 L0

Cardoso took over Sundowns this season and has been in charge of all three of their games in the Nedbank Cup in what is his debut campaign in the PSL.

The Portuguese coach led The Brazilians to wins over Sibanye Golden Stars (5-2), Mpheni Home Defenders (2-0) and Sekhukhune United (1-0), and also has them into the semifinals of the CAF Champions League. The 52-year-old has yet to win a cup trophy in his coaching career, having led Esperance to the Tunisian Ligue 1 title in 2023-24.

NASREDDINE NABI

Nedbank Cup record: P2 W2 D0 L0

Tunisian Nabi is also in his first season in the PSL and hoping to end Chiefs’ trophy drought. The Nedbank Cup would be a mighty prize for a team that has not lifted the trophy for 12, or silverware of any sort since 2015.

Performances from the side have been mixed, but they are through to the last-4 in South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition. Nabi was not on the bench for the 4-0 win over Free Agents as he served a suspension but was in charge when they defeated Chippa United 3-0 in the Last 16, and the 3-1 away win against Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals.

He is a two-time winner of the Tanzanian FA Cup with Young Africans.

ABDESLAM OUADDOU

Nedbank Cup record: P1 W0 D1 L0

Moroccan Ouaddou joined Marumo Gallants in March so is new to the club and the league but has done well to improve the fortunes of the Free State side. His one and only Nedbank Cup game so far was the penalty shoot-out victory over Durban City in the quarterfinals. He will have his side fired up as underdogs for their clash on Sunday with Pirates. He is looking to win his first trophy as a manager.

JOSE RIVEIRO

Nedbank Cup record: P13 W11 D2 L0

Riveiro is already a Pirates legend as he prepares to exit the club at the end of the season. He has won two Nedbank Cups in 2023 and 2024, and three MTN8s, and is looking to be the first coach to win three titles in a row in South Africa’s FA Cup.

He has Pirates played as a well-oiled machine, with every player knowing their roles to the tee. He has also developed a squad that knows how to win knockout games of football and already holds the record for the most Nedbank Cup games unbeaten as a coach with 13, with two draws in there.

We’re down to the final four in the Nedbank Cup, with Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates taking on Marumo Gallants in the semifinals on the weekend of 12 April.

As the road to the final heats up, so do the football debates, especially when it comes to picking the ultimate Nedbank Cup-winning XI. And when Itumeleng Khune is in the mix, you know it’s going to be entertaining.

In a fun Goals v Saves challenge, ‘Mzansi’s #1’ sat down with a die-hard Orlando Pirates fan to build their best-ever Nedbank Cup-winning team. The twist? They had to name players based on their positions, with a specific Nedbank Cup-winning club as a prompt.

For example, when asked to pick a striker from Mamelodi Sundowns, Khune confidently went with Katlego Mphela, while the fan chose one of the South African league’s top scorers in Peter Shalulile.

As they worked their way through the list, names from some of the biggest Nedbank Cup-winning teams emerged, featuring players from Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and TS Galaxy.

Of course, one name made both lists – Khune himself. When asked why he deserved a spot, his response was simple: ‘I lifted the trophy.’

 

🚨 #𝐍𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 🚨

Tickets for the Nedbank Cup semifinal matches are available at TicketPro outlets and online for R80.

🎫: https://t.co/Tey3vy54ua pic.twitter.com/43Rtl6WW6M

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 4, 2025

 

Khune’s Ultimate Nedbank Cup XI:
- Goalkeeper (Kaizer Chiefs) – Itumeleng Khune
- Right Central Defender (Orlando Pirates) – Happy Jele
- Right Back (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Anele Ngcongca
- Left Back (TS Galaxy) – Tshegofatso Nyama
- Attacking Midfielder (Bidvest Wits) – Sibusiso Vilakazi
- Central Midfielder (Moroka Swallows) – Lefa Tsutsulupa
- Left Attacking Winger (Orlando Pirates) – Relebohile Mofokeng
- Right Attacking Winger (Tshakhuma TTM) – Thabo Rakhale
- Second Striker (SuperSport United) – Bradley Grobler
- Main Striker (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Katlego Mphela

While Khune confidently backed his picks, there’s one surprising twist – an 11th player was never selected! So now, it’s time for the real experts, the fans, to have your say.

With so many, past and present, Nedbank Cup stars to choose from, who do you think deserves the final spot in Khune’s Ultimate XI? Drop your pick and tell us why they deserve it. Not only does your choice matter for Khune’s XI, but every goal and save in the Nedbank Cup also helps fuel the Goals v Saves competition.

Here’s how it works: Every time a goal is scored, R30 000 is added to the MiGoals Plus prize pool, and every save contributes R20 000 to the JustSave prize pool. So, by voting for your final pick, you’re also participating in the excitement and rewards of the competition!

Do you agree with Khune’s picks? And more importantly, who should complete the XI? Watch the full video, make your pick, and get involved in the Goals v Saves competition today!

 

Here’s a quick look at the #NedbankCup semifinalists form. Who has impressed you the most? 👏 pic.twitter.com/7H4CguWf23

— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) April 7, 2025

 

When Itumeleng Khune sits down for a football debate, you know things are about to heat up. With the Nedbank Cup semifinals kicking off this Sunday, 13 April, it couldn’t come at a better time. As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to host Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates take on Marumo Gallants, the stage is set for some serious football drama.

In a fiery Agree or Disagree challenge, the legendary goalkeeper and a passionate Orlando Pirates fan went head-to-head on some of South African football’s biggest talking points.

From backing Orlando Pirates for a Nedbank Cup three-peat to defending his own legacy, Khune didn’t hold back, making bold calls that had fans talking.

The debate kicked off with a big question: Is Stuart Baxter Kaizer Chiefs’ greatest coach?

Khune agreed immediately, saying 'I strongly agree because he won four trophies with Chiefs, and I played under him.'

But the fan wasn’t convinced. He argued that Baxter inherited a strong squad and simply 'maneuvered his way' to success. The fan even jokingly suggested that Khune agreed only because he was the coach’s favourite!

Khune wasn’t having it and defended himself: 'I had to fight to be the best. It wasn’t about favourites – it was about working hard and earning your place!'

Bradley Grobler v Peter Shalulile – Who’s the better finisher?

Both Khune and the fan agreed that Bradley Grobler is the better goal scorer, with Khune laughing as he revealed a personal reason for his choice: 'I don’t like that he has scored against me in almost every match we’ve played!'

Will Orlando Pirates win three consecutive Nedbank Cups?

When asked if Orlando Pirates will make it a hat-trick of Nedbank Cup titles, both Khune and the fan agreed, with Khune praising the Buccaneers’ current form and their strong squad. Coming from a Kaizer Chiefs legend, that’s a big compliment.

Is Brian Baloyi better than Itumeleng Khune?

For a Pirates fan, this was a tough one. Surprisingly, he sided with Khune: 'I think you are the better goalkeeper. You should even be Bafana Bafana’s goalkeeper coach!'

Khune was humbled by the statement. 'Hopefully, the doors will open. I will take that opportunity when it comes to be a goalkeeper coach and help transfer my skills to the future goalkeepers of South Africa.'

Beyond the banter – Every save and goal matters!

While the Agree or Disagree challenge was all about debating football history, the real action is happening on the pitch, where every goal and every save counts in the Nedbank Cup’s Goals v Saves competition.

So, do you agree or disagree with Khune’s picks? Or would you have called it differently? Watch the full debate and drop your take in the comments!

Kaizer Chiefs will look to end their current ‘curse’ against Mamelodi Sundowns when the teams meet in a Nedbank Cup semifinal at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. 

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

MATCH BACKGROUND

Chiefs have not beaten Sundowns in any competition in almost four years and will need to break that drought if they are to advance into the final and have a shot at ending their 10-year wait for a trophy.

The Amakhosi have seen off Free Agents (4-0), Chippa United (3-0) and Stellenbosch (3-1) in the Nedbank Cup to reach the semis – form which has been in stark contrast to their struggles in the Betway Premiership.

Chiefs are winless in their last four league encounters – the most recent a 1-1 draw at home to TS Galaxy last weekend – and find themselves in a lowly (by their historical standards) eighth place.

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!

🏆#NedbankCup Semi-Final
⚽️Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
🗓️Sunday 13 April 2025
🏟Loftus Versfeld Stadium
🕞18h00
📺SuperSport 202
🎟R80: Ticketpro, Spar: https://t.co/MNaBAFg2TX
📢Please come early! #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/hKboPU334A

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 9, 2025

Sundowns, by contrast, are very much on course for a record-extending eighth successive league championship, while in the Nedbank Cup they have dispensed with Sibanye Golden Stars (5-2), Mpheni Home Defenders (2-0) and Sekhukhune United (1-0, after extra time) thus far.

The Brazilians, however, come into the clash on the back of a physically and mentally draining CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie against Esperance de Tunis, the second leg of which was played this past Tuesday in North Africa.

‘Downs secured a 0-0 draw on the night to advance 1-0 on aggregate overall, but that does not relay the tension and anxiety they would have had to endure through 90 minutes.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso on coming through their Champions League quarterfinal against Esperance de Tunis:

“This win is for our fans in South Africa, the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters and for the Motsepe family. They believed in us, and I’m happy we could deliver this moment for them.”

He added, “We have a tough Nedbank Cup semifinal on Sunday. First, we’ll let the players recover emotionally and physically and then we get back to work.”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi on trying to get through their difficult run of form:

“We think the players [in the last match against TS Galaxy] did everything they could to get the good results.

“I feel we are going through a moment of bad luck because of the lack of results. But we’re going to hang in there, everyone has to push more and work hard.”

KEY PLAYERS

Mamelodi Sundowns, Marcelo Allende

An energetic and resilient performance in midfield against Esperance de Tunis saw Marcelo Allende further underline his importance to Mamelodi Sundowns. He’ll need to recharge his batteries for the clash with Chiefs, but you can bet he will be eager to do more battle in the ‘engine room’.

Kaizer Chiefs, Inacio Miguel

The Angolan defender has scored in all of Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup matches this season and has played a key role in bringing them to the semifinals. He will need to balance his defensive work against Sundowns’ dangerous forwards with offering a threat at the other end from set pieces.

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS

In head-to-head terms, Sundowns and Chiefs have met in 31 cup matches dating back as far as 1986.

The Amakhosi have claimed 12 wins compared to eight for the Brazilians, while 11 games have been drawn.

The teams last met in a cup match in the Carling Knockout earlier this season, with Sundowns claiming an emphatic 4-0 triumph thanks to goals from Iqraam Rayners (two), Peter Shalulile and Khuliso Mudau.

Sundowns also completed a league ‘double’ over Chiefs this season (2-1 away and 1-0 at home) and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against the Soweto giants across all competitions – including a current live winning streak of five matches.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (SINCE 1985)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

1986 JPS 1st rd Chiefs 1-0 Sundowns Anderson (og)

1986 Mainstay qfinal Chiefs 2-3 Sundowns Shongwe, Molatedi (pen); Chitja, Chafunya, Mosimane (pen)

1987 Ohlssons sf 1st leg Sundowns 0-2 Chiefs Mthimkulu 2

1987 Ohlssons sf 2nd leg Chiefs 4-0 Sundowns Molatedi 3, Ntsoelengoe

1988 Ohlssons sf 1st leg Chiefs 1-1 Sundowns Ntsoelengoe; Chafunya

1988 Ohlssons sf 2nd leg Sundowns 1-0 Chiefs Masinga

1991 Castle qfinal Chiefs 1-0 Sundowns Khuse

1992 BP Top 8 final Chiefs 1-0 Sundowns Khuse

1993 BP Top 8 qfinal Chiefs 0-2 Sundowns Masilela

1994 BP Top 8 final Chiefs 3-2 Sundowns Nyirenda 2, Maringa; Motaung, Mudau

1995 Coca-Cola qfinal Sundowns 0-1 Chiefs Mthethwa

1995 Bob Save 2nd rd Chiefs 3-2 Sundowns Seale, Tshisevhe, Lebese; Molefe, Mudau

1997/98 Rothmans Cup final Chiefs 1-1 Sundowns Lebese; Chukwu

1997/98 Rothmans Cup final(r) Sundowns 1-1* Chiefs Chukwu; Muchichwa

1998/99 Rothmans Cup final Chiefs 2-2* Sundowns Mooki, Nomvethe; Masilela, Bapela

1999/00 Bob Save final Chiefs 1-0 Sundowns Nomvethe

2000/01 BP Top 8 3rd place Chiefs 3-2 Sundowns Pule, Nauseb 2; Meiring, B. Mnguni

2000/01 Bob Save semi Chiefs 0-2 Sundowns Chukwu 2

2001/02 BP Top 8 final Chiefs 2-2* Sundowns Zwane, Nzama; Mudau 2

2003/04 Absa Cup 1st rd Sundowns 1-3 Chiefs Jordaan; Moshoeu, Dlamini, Mendu

2005/06 Absa Cup semi Chiefs 0-0*Sundowns

2007/08 Telkom KO final Chiefs 0-0* Sundowns

2007/08 Nedbank Cup 2nd rd Chiefs 1-1**Sundowns Khenyeza; Moriri

2008/09 MTN8 final Chiefs 0-0*Sundowns

2009/10 Telkom KO qfinal Sundowns 0-1 Chiefs Masango

2012/13 MTN8 qfinal Sundowns 4-1 Chiefs Sangweni, Langerman, Mokoena, Manqele; Letsholonyane

2015/16 Telkom KO final Sundowns 3-1 Chiefs Castro, Nthethe, Kekana; Abraw

2020/21 MTN8 qfinal Sundowns 2-2** Chiefs Shalulile, Zwane; Parker, Billiat

2022/23 MTN8 semi, 1st leg Chiefs 1-1 Sundowns Castillo; Mudau

2023/23 MTN8 semi, 2nd leg Sundowns 2-1 Chiefs Shalulile 2; Du Preez (pen)

2024/25 Carling KO qfinal Chiefs 0-4 Sundowns Rayners 2 (1 pen), Shalulile, Mudau

*Chiefs won on penalties

**Sundowns won on penalties

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 31 12 11 8 40 39

Sundowns 31 8 11 12 39 40

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Sundowns 0-2 Chiefs Nurkovic 2

2019/20 Chiefs 0-1 Sundowns Sirino

2020/21 Chiefs 0-3 Sundowns Shalulile, Erasmus, Zwane (pen)

2020/21 Sundowns 1-2 Chiefs Sirino; Lebusa (og), Zuma

2021/22 Sundowns 2-0 Chiefs Kekana, Shalulile

2021/22 Chiefs 1-1 Sundowns Nange; Modiba

2022/23 Sundowns 4-0 Chiefs Sirino, Shalulile 2, Nasir

2022/23 Chiefs 0-1 Sundowns Maema

2023/24 Sundowns 2-1 Chiefs Ribeiro Costa, Maema; Du Preez

2023/24 Chiefs 1-5 Sundowns Shabalala (pen); Matthews 2, Esquivel, Ribeiro, Lorch

2024/25 Chiefs 1-2 Sundowns Chivaviro; Ribeiro, Rayners

2024/25 Sundowns 1-0 Chiefs Ribeiro

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

TOTAL

P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 111 41 32 38 125 124

Sundowns 111 38 32 41 124 125