After a 10-year trophy drought, Kaizer Chiefs finally quenched their thirst through the long-awaited Nedbank Cup Final derby. This electrifying clash marked another sold-out Soweto derby at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal, where Orlando Pirates endured a heartbreaking cup final defeat, falling 2-1 to the mighty Amakhosi in a convincing Kaizer Chiefs victory. Kaizer Chiefs had to put on an A-game not only to avenge themselves and regain their dignity—they killed two birds with one stone, as this victory also booked them a spot in the CAF Champions League next season.
The game opened at a high tempo, with both sides not giving each other a chance to settle, each searching for the early goal and control. In the third minute of the game, Orlando Pirates looked threatening, creating some chances with Relebohile Mofokeng cutting inside to deliver a cross into the box, but Mohau Nkota failed to finish. Kaizer Chiefs' right winger Wandile Duba maintained high pressure on the Pirates defender, taking him on one-on-one and finding a through pass to Pule Mmodi in the box. Quick on his feet and with sharp reflexes, Mmodi forced Sibisi to make contact from behind, conceding a penalty. Gaston Sirino, who was highly effective in the creative play, converted the opportunity, giving Amakhosi a 1-0 lead and control of the game.
In a box-to-box attack, there were quick transitions and speed from the forwards on both sides. Orlando Pirates intercepted the ball and launched a counterattack, during which Dillan Solomons conceded a free kick near the box. Taken by the left-footed Deon Hotto to the far post, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was late to make the save as Evidence Makgopa’s header found the back of the net, making it 1-1 in the 16th minute. The equalizer changed the complexion of the game, shifting it to a higher tempo with emotions running high. With Kaizer Chiefs maintaining pressure and quickly closing down the Orlando Pirates defenders, the magic feet of Ashley Du Preez forced Mbekezeli Mbokazi to play under pressure, leading to a mistake as he played the ball inside and Mthembu intercepted. The pocket passes, skills, and creativity of the Kaizer Chiefs forwards opened up space in the box for Amakhosi captain Yusuf Maart, who laced a tap pass coming from the right into the far corner in the 78th minute.
This eagerly awaited Nedbank Cup Final lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling encounter between the Soweto giants. The game was balanced, with Kaizer Chiefs dominating at times while Orlando Pirates fought hard to equalize, showing hunger to defend their title. For fans of 3-a-side Underground football, it felt like a supersized version of their favorite format—fast-paced, high-skilled, and relentless. Second-half substitutions of Du Preez and Tshabalala added more speed up front, putting immense pressure on the Pirates’ backline. For Underground Soccer Street Kings, it was the aerial play, quick combination passes into pocket spaces, and standout individual skills that defined the match.
