Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will clash in a sold-out Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this Sunday, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirming that all tickets for the eagerly awaited fixture have been snapped up.
The encounter pits two of South Africa’s most iconic football clubs against each other in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for a place in the final.
The winner will meet either Orlando Pirates or Marumo Gallants, who face off in the second semi-final at Orlando Stadium on the same day.
This weekend’s showdown marks a historic first.
Since the Nedbank Cup adopted its current title sponsorship in the 2007/08 season, Sundowns and Chiefs have never squared off in the competition.
Their last cup meeting dates back to 2006, when the tournament was still known as the Absa Cup.
On that occasion, Kaizer Chiefs emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout and went on to lift the trophy after defeating Orlando Pirates, also on penalties, in the final at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Chiefs were then managed by German tactician Ernst Middendorp.
The build-up to this weekend’s semi-final has gripped South African football fans, with both sides carrying rich histories and passionate support bases.
Loftus Versfeld, home to Sundowns, is expected to be a sea of yellow and gold as supporters from both camps fill the stands in anticipation of what could be a defining moment in their respective seasons.
Sundowns, known for their attacking flair and tactical discipline, will be looking to assert their dominance at home.
Chiefs, chasing silverware in a campaign marked by inconsistency, are equally determined to make their mark and secure a spot in the final.
With history, pride, and a place in the final on the line, Sunday’s clash promises fireworks on and off the pitch.
The sell-out crowd is a testament to the significance of the occasion, as fans prepare for one of the most high-profile fixtures in South African domestic football this season.
