Kaizer Chiefs secured the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon.
Chiefs made a surprise decision by dropping Bruce Bvuma and giving Brandon Petersen a rare start.
Meanwhile, Pirates made three changes to their lineup, with Deano Van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Patrick Maswanganyi all coming into the starting XI after last week’s Soweto Derby.
The match got off to a great start for Chiefs as they took the lead in the 8th minute. Gaston Sirino converted a penalty after Van Rooyen had fouled Pule Mmodi in the box.
However, Orlando Pirates quickly responded, leveling the score just ten minutes later. Evidence Makgopa rose above the Chiefs defense at the back post to head in a precise free-kick from Deon Hotto.
Chiefs pushed forward looking to regain the lead, with Sirino heavily involved in their attacks, but he faced tough opposition from the hard-working Makhaula.
Petersen was called into action in the 26th minute, diving to his near post to deny a low strike from Mohau Nkota, who had cleverly attempted a shot from an acute angle.
The second half began with both teams showing determination to break the deadlock, but neither was able to find the back of the net in the early stages. Pirates came close to taking the lead in the 55th minute when Nkota’s curling shot from the right side of the box struck the side-netting.
In the final quarter, Chiefs made two substitutions, bringing on Mduduzi Shabalala for Sirino and Ashley Du Preez in place of Duba.
The changes seemed to give the team fresh energy, and Chiefs nearly regained the lead when Mmodi’s first-time shot at the far post hit the upright.
It was Captain Yusuf Maart who would seal the win for Chiefs, scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Maart found space on the edge of the six-yard box and powered a shot into the bottom corner following a well-delivered cross from Shabalala.
Pirates had a late chance to level the score when Kabelo Dlamini curled a free-kick towards goal, but Petersen was equal to the task, keeping the ball out.
Despite Pirates’ continued pressure, Chiefs held firm and saw out the match to lift the Nedbank Cup, ending a ten-year trophy drought and claiming the much-deserved victory.
