Chiefs sink Pirates to end drought with Nedbank Cup glory

Kaizer Chiefs ended their long wait for a trophy on Saturday, breaking the drought against their fiercest rivals with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

It was Amakhosi captain Yusuf Maart who proved an unlikely hero as Chiefs ended a decade long wait for silverware. Maart, who started his professional career at Pirates, volleyed home from the edge of the box, a fantastic answer to the critics that have been on his back all season.

The victory brought joy to Chiefs and their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had looked increasingly worn out during a difficult campaign in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs still have a massive gap to make up in the league.

But this cup run, which included wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates, has to give them hope for the future.

For Pirates, this was a disappointing end to Jose Riveiro’s reign, as they failed to add a third consecutive Nedbank Cup to the Spaniard’s haul. Still, they did win a third MTN8 in another impressive season, where they also reached the Caf Champions League semifinals.

Nabi sprang a surprise ahead of this game as goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was dropped from the squad and Brandon Peterson handed a first start since December. 

Bvuma, indeed, had started 25 games in a row for Chiefs before Saturday’s final.

Peterson had a nerve-settler as he came off his line to gather a cross from Relebohile Mofokeng in the 4th minute.

Chiefs strike first

Just as they had in the Premiership meeting last weekend, it was Chiefs who took an early lead. Pule Mmodi burst into the area and his heels were clipped by Dean Van Rooyen. 

Referee Masixole Bambiso pointed to the spot, and though Van Rooyen protested his innocence, there was some contact. 

Gaston Sirino took responsibility from the spot and drilled a low shot past Sipho Chaine, even though the Pirates ‘keeper dived the right way. 

Makgopa heads a leveller

It took Pirates 22 minutes to find an equaliser last weekend. In the cup final it took them just seven, with their leveller coming again from Evidence Makgopa. 

The Buccaneers won a free kick down the left wing. Deon Hotto curled in a fine delivery and Makgopa powered in a header at the back post with Peterson off his line but nowhere near the ball. 

Pirates began to control possession and Mofokeng’s cross found Patrick Maswanganyi, who volleyed just wide. 

Sirino then lost his cool with Bambiso after he felt he was fouled in midfield, and eared a yellow card for his troubles. 

Another neat Pirates passing move saw Mohau Nkota fire goanward, but Peterson saved at his near post. 

Just before the break, Makgopa had another chance in the air, but headed a corner wide of target.

Chiefs came out with far more purpose after the break, taking the game to Pirates.

In the 56th minute, Thabo Cele’s neat pass sent Duba away. The young Chiefs forward had a great chance to find Glody Lilepo but instead opted to shoot and his effort was blocked by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

At the other end, Nkota did well to create some space for himself in the box, but again tried a near post finish and this time missed the target.

A spate of substitution from both sides littered the final half an hour, and the two Soweto giants searched for a winner.

Nabi’s super subs

In the 75th minute, two of Chiefs’ changes, Ashley Du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala, nearly combined to fine effect. But Shabalala’s cross was cleared just before the semifinal match-winner could get to the ball.

Shabalala then played a fine ball across the box for Mmodi, whose thunderous strike cannoned off the post.

Pirates were battling to clear their lines and Chiefs broke through in the 80th minute. Du Preez’s clever cross to the edge of the box found Maart, who lashed his volley past Chaine and into the corner of the net.

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