Orlando Pirates might be slight favourites going into the Nedbank Cup final, but Kaizer Chiefs have the mental edge.
After getting knocked out of the CAF Champions League semi-finals, the Buccaneers’ only realistic opportunity of winning another trophy is the Nedbank Cup. The league is Mamelodi Sundowns to lose, given their point advantage
The pressure has gotten to Pirates in cup competitions, which was never the case since Jose Riveiro took over in 2023. For the first time, the team looks vulnerable and their 3-2 defeat to Pyramids proved that the Sea Robbers can crack under pressure.
How can Chiefs beat Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final?
Here are five reasons why Amakhosi will end their trophy drought:
Hunger and determination
Amakhosi players have been mocked, criticised and humiliated for many seasons, and this is an opportunity for them to end that. A win against Sundowns boosted the team’s moral,e and in the final, expect each and every player to fight for every ball and make life difficult for Pirates.
Pirates’ vulnerability and fear of losing
Pirates will not want to lose to Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup, especially given it would be Riveiro’s last final with the club. That pressure alone might affect the player on the day, given an advantage to their rivals. A painful defeat to Pyramids will linger in the mind of some players, especially if they fail to control the match early on.
Wandile Duba’s form
Kaizer Chiefs have several match winners, but one player in particular who is looking forward to the Soweto derby is Duba. The 20-year-old scored against Downs and is one of the Amakhosi players who improved under Nabi. His pace might be too much for the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi, who looked unsettled especially in the last matches.
Chiefs’ record over Pirates in finals
Chiefs have beaten Pirates in many finals and infact the last time the two teams played in a final, Amakhosi emerged as 1-0 victors. That alone should give them confidence going into the match. Chiefs defeated Pirates in 2006 by penalties when the Nedbank Cup was still called the Absa Cup.
Nabi and his players have nothing to lose
Orlando Pirates have everything to lose. Given how their season started, the Buccaneers were eyeing a treble at least but poor planning has seen them lose key matches. Riveiro’s men lost matches that mattered the most and this is why they find themselves second in the league and having only the Nedbank to fight for in April.
Chiefs on the other hand, have had an average season and losing the Nedbank Cup won’t demoralise them that much. As much as they want to win the final, a loss will hurt the Buccanees more.
Before the Nedbank Cup final, Chiefs and Pirates will clash in the Betway Premiership a week before. That match however won’t given an indication on which team will win the final.
Who will take the Nedbank Cup?
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