Chiefs Get Chance To Bury Nedbank Cup Nightmares

Kaizer Chiefs will head into the Nedbank Cup looking to avoid yet another upset against lower division opposition.

Fans would not want to be reminded of the cup final defeat to TS Galaxy in 2019, who were campaigning in the National First Division (now GladAfrica Championship) at the time, where a late penalty by Zakhele Lepasa broke Amakhosi hearts. 

Another one Chiefs supporters won't forget is the 2-1, 2011 defeat at the hands of Baroka FC, who were competing in the Vodacom League (now ABC Motsepe League) at the time. Amakhosi took the lead, but were stunned by Bakgaga's response, in what was one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history.

Chiefs were also on the losing side at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in 2009, against First Division side, University of Pretoria. AmaTuks won the game 4-3, a clash in which the likes of Phenyo Mongalo and Mthokozisi Yende stood out. In 2010, FC Cape Town beat the Soweto giants 2-0 at Rand Stadium.

As they prepare to take on GladAfrica Championship side, Richards Bay this weekend, former Amakhosi right back Tlou Molekwane has warned the club against underestimating lower division opponents.

"The lower division teams are very dangerous because a lot of top-flight teams don't know their strengths and weaknesses and the players they have in their teams, so it's difficult to fight against an opponent that you don't know. You must also remember that those players from the lower division clubs also want to play for big teams, so it's a good platform for them to impress and showcase their talent. Their games are not televised, so this is the right platform for them.

Also, when you play against Chiefs, those teams don't need any motivation. It's not going to be easy for Chiefs because if you check the history of Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup, they have been very unlucky when it comes to these lower division teams. But I believe the mentality has changed because of the new coach. They know that they should not underestimate these teams. It's an important game and they cannot afford to lose. It will be a difficult one, but I believe Chiefs will go through."

The late Emmanuel 'Scare' Ngobese scored was on the scoresheet against the Buccaneers in 2004.

Former Amakhosi striker Mabhuti Khenyeza scored the quickest Soweto Derby goal in a 2-2 draw in 2007.

Excellent Walaza was the star for Pirates when he bagged a brace against Amakhosi in a 2-2 draw in 2007.

The late Gift Leremi scored in the first minute as Bucs registered a 2-1 victory in 2004.

Legendary Shaun Bartlett bagged a late equaliser in 2006 in the final game played at the Old FNB Stadium.

Chiefs celebrate Knowledge Musona's goal in a 3-1 victory over Pirates in 2010.

Collins Mbesuma scored against his former employers Chiefs in 2012.

Katlego Mashego bagged a winner for Pirates at Ellis Park back in 2009.

Winger Vincent Pule scored the winner in a 2-1 victory for the Buccaneers in 2018.

Benni McCarthy terrorised Amakhosi by scoring a brace in a 3-2 victory in 2012.

Lebogang Manyama scored the only goal as Chiefs beat Pirates 1-0 in 2020.