Pirates and Chiefs book ticket to Nedbank Cup showdown

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs booked their tickets to the 2025 Nedbank Cup final following narrow wins in the semi-finals on Sunday. Pirates dispatched Marumo Gallants 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal, ensuring they reach their third consecutive final. Later in the day, Chiefs had to come back from a goal down to beat Sundowns, reach their first final in six years, and set up a derby final for May. Winners & Losers is a statistical recap of the weekend action.

Winners

Kaizer Chiefs

Before this weekend, Sundowns had played 15 home games in domestic competitions and won all of them. This was a supreme performance, characterized by alertness of their forwards at the right moments. First, Duba intercepted a lazy back from the Sundowns’ centre backs, then du Preez sneaked in behind a defensive line that lost concentration. Whatever their problems in the league, Chiefs have found a winning formula in the Nedbank Cup.

4 – Chiefs have eliminated Sundowns from this competition (Bob Save/Absa/Nedbank Cup) for the fourth time. No team has done so on more occasions in the PSL era (Pirates also 4 times).

Nasreddine Nabi

For a month, and possibly more, the debate on whether Nasreddine Nabi is the right man for the job should subsibe. In taking Chiefs to their first final in six years, and possibly first Cup in 10 years, Nabi has “bought himself some time”. Chopping and changing coaches is never the solution, and one needs stability to build. His players fought for him here.

1 – This is the first time Chiefs have won a game they were trailing at half-time this season (W0 D2 L5 in all comps before today).

Wandile Duba

On Sunday, 20-year-old Wandile Duba led the line like an experienced pro, hassling and chasing when needed, pouncing and converting when the opportunity arose. He deservedly won Man of the Match and is now Chiefs’ leading scorer in all competitions.

12 – Chiefs have scored 12 goals in the Nedbank Cup this season, more than any other team.

Orlando Pirates

This was Pirates’ 10th semi-final in this competition, and they have managed to progress to the final in each of their 10 appearances in the semis. It’s a startling record that highlights their affiliation with this tournament.

3 – Orlando Pirates are the first side in PSL history to appear in three consecutive FA Cup finals.

Jose Riveiro

The decision to announce his departure with a good part of the season was met with scepticism by some. But in controlling the narrative to “One Last Dance”, Pirates have given the team reason to give their all and ensure a glorious farewell. They are one step closer.

6 – This will be Jose Riveiro’s sixth final, with the Spaniard winning each of the previous five remaining can have

Losers

Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso will get criticism for some of his selections and in-game changes, but he should gain huge sympathy for the busy Sundowns schedule. While they continue to dominate the league, Downs are starting to get a bad reputation in Cups, but these issues were already entrenched before he came in.

3 – Sundowns have now scored first and lost in the 2024 Nedbank Cup final, the 2025 ⁠Carling Cup final and now the 2025 Nedbank Cup semi-final.

Officiating

Rumours of Video Assistant Referees being introduced to the PSL have grown in recent weeks, but the Nedbank Cup semi-finals would have been perfect opportunities for a trial run. Downs will feel hard done by the offside decision, but it’s hard to begrudge the officials when the decisions are that close.