Pirates legend Fish says the pressure is on Chiefs in Nedbank final

Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish believes it is Kaizer Chiefs who will be feeling the heat when the two side’s clash in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final. 

ALSO READ: How unwavering family love fuels Pirates’ Mofokeng

The Buccaneers will go into the game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as clear favourites. Pirates have already won the MTN8 this season, are putting up a decent fight in the Betway Premiership title race, and reached the Caf Champions League semifinals. 

Pirates are knockout kings

The Buccaneers have won the MTN8 three times in a row under Spanish coach Jose RIveiro, and are also going for three Nedbank Cups on the spin. 

Nasreddine Nabi’s Chiefs, meanwhile, have had a dismal campaign in the Premiership and are in danger of missing out on qualification for the MTN8 for the second campaign in a row. If Amakhosi lose to Pirates on Saturday, they will have gone a decade without a single piece of Premier Soccer League silverware. 

“It’s a cup final, so obviously it’s a big game for both teams,” Fish told Showmax Premier League. 

“However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it’s just another game.”

“Obviously the new coach has been there for (only) a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It’s a massive occasion.” 

ALSO READ: Pirates’ Ncikazi says Chiefs are favourites to win final

“Not difficult to predict a winner’

And Fish has no doubt that it is Pirates who will emerge triumphant on Saturday. 

“It’s not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final.”

Catch the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 10 May, at 15:30.