As Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates confirmed their spots in the Nedbank Cup final set to be played on June 1, Soccer Laduma looks back at the history of finals between them in the PSL era.
This will be the fourth time in the PSL era that the clubs are meeting in a knockout competition final. The last final between the sides was as recent as last year, when they faced off in the MTN8 final on a windy night at Moses Mabhida Stadium. It did not go down as one of the most memorable finals, as the weather played a big part in the football on the night, with both sides struggling to fully play their game.
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Not separated on the scoreboard at the end of 120 minutes, the final had to be decided on penalties, with the Buccaneers coming out tops, thanks to the brilliance of shot stopper Sipho Chaine, who saved three spot kicks to inspire the Soweto giants to a 3-1 victory in the shootout.
The clubs met in the 2007 SAA Supa8 final at Kings Park Stadium and it was Sundowns who edged the encounter, winning it 1-0 thanks to a goal in the first quarter of the hour by midfielder Brent Carelse. The Tshwane giants held on to win the title and dedicated that victory to talented midfielder Gift Leremi, who had passed away around that time in a car accident.
Sundowns came out tops in the 1998 BobSave Super Bowl final, which was played over two legs. The first match ended 1-1, with big Nigerian striker Raphael Chukwu opening the scoring in the 13th minute, before Pirates midfielder John Moeti levelled matters 10 minutes later. The sides could not be separated and, like the FA Cup in England, a replay was needed to decide who would be champions.
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In the replay, both the goals in the 1-1 draw were scored in extra time, as Daniel Mudau opened the scoring for Sundowns before Sam Pam cancelled it out with an equaliser for the Buccaneers. Sundowns won the tie 6-5 on penalties to win their first BobSave Super Bowl title in the PSL era.
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