Former Orlando Pirates defender Lizo Mjempu believes Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final will be another painful chapter for Kaizer Chiefs, as the Soweto giants prepare to lock horns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in one of the most anticipated domestic cup finals in years.
Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Mjempu did not mince his words as he outlined why he expects Pirates to dominate their bitter rivals and secure a third successive Nedbank Cup title under coach Jose Riveiro.
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“I am 100% in agreement with those people who believe that Pirates will beat Chiefs again and win the Nedbank Cup for the third season in a row,” said Mjempu.
“I don’t foresee any upset. Chiefs players lack confidence in my opinion, and that’s the big difference between the two teams. Pirates, on the other side, are oozing with confidence because of how well they’ve been performing,” he said.
The former Bucs left-back pointed to the mental approach and tactical discipline of the players as key reasons why the Buccaneers have the edge.
“Chiefs don’t have that winning mentality that’s needed for a team at that level. For example, both goals Pirates scored last Saturday were basically gifted to them. Chiefs had been in control, but then some of their players made poor decisions that could’ve been avoided.”
Mjempu took particular aim at Mduduzi Shabalala, accusing the young Chiefs midfielder of prioritising flair over the team’s success.
“There are players who play to help the team win, and others who want to shine for themselves. Shabalala is one of the latter. In the first goal, he tried a risky pass instead of a simple one to Gaston Sirino. He’s done that before and it cost the team. Even when Chiefs were leading, he started doing tricks that weren’t necessary. From a coaching perspective, that’s a lack of discipline,” Mjempu said.
In contrast, Mjempu praised Pirates’ rising stars, including Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, for their maturity and commitment to the collective cause.
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“Rele and Nkota are completely different. They’re team players. Even when Pirates were down in the CAF Champions League, you could see them trying to lift the team. Rele reads the game well, makes smart decisions, and only dribbles with purpose. You’ll never see him doing tricks standing in one place. Nkota plays the same way. That’s why I see Chiefs getting a hiding in the final,” he concluded.
With tensions high ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster final in Durban, Mjempu’s bold prediction will only add fuel to the fire of this iconic rivalry.
