Kaizer Chiefs manager Nasreddine Nabi believes that victory in the upcoming Nedbank Cup final against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates could mark a pivotal moment in the club’s resurgence.
Nabi, who has endured two league defeats at the hands of Pirates since his arrival, remains undeterred.
The Tunisian tactician sees Saturday’s showdown as a golden opportunity to reset the narrative around the club and reignite their competitive spark.
“I believe if we win this match on Saturday, everything will change for the club,” Nabi said, underlining the potential long-term impact of lifting the cup.
The Soweto giants have not tasted domestic silverware since 2015, when they secured the league title under then-coach Stuart Baxter.
Their last cup triumph dates even further back to 2014, coincidentally also against Pirates, when they claimed the MTN8 title in Durban.
Since then, success has proved elusive, including a painful 2019 Nedbank Cup final loss to TS Galaxy at the very same Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Despite their current struggles in the league, where they sit ninth with just 30 points from 28 matches, Nabi insists that the mood within the camp remains upbeat.
“Trust me, we’re going into this match with high morale. We have to fight, and I promise we’ll go to Durban with great confidence,” he said.
Still, the former AS FAR coach is taking a measured approach to managing expectations.
Keenly aware of the mental strain a high-stakes match can place on his squad, Nabi is intent on striking the right emotional tone.
“I won’t put too much pressure on the players, because if I do, they won’t perform well. You have to find a balance,” he explained.
Chiefs’ path to the final included an impressive semi-final triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns, a victory that offered a rare glimpse of the team’s potential when playing with purpose and unity.
For their part, Orlando Pirates progressed by overcoming Marumo Gallants and are aiming to clinch their third consecutive Nedbank Cup title.
The final sets the stage for yet another instalment of the iconic Soweto Derby — a fixture steeped in tradition, rivalry, and high drama.
For Chiefs, it is a chance to end a nearly decade-long wait for silverware and potentially usher in a new era under Nabi.
For Pirates, it is an opportunity to reaffirm their recent dominance and continue their winning run in South African football.
With pride, history, and silverware on the line, all eyes turn to Moses Mabhida Stadium for a match that promises tension, passion, and a potential turning point for Kaizer Chiefs.
