Nedbank Cup Final Prediction: Will Pirates Make History or Can Chiefs End a Decade of Pain?
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated fixtures in local football as Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with history, pride, and silverware all on the line.
Orlando Pirates Eye Historic Hat-Trick
Orlando Pirates have a chance to etch their name into the history books by becoming the first club to lift the Nedbank Cup in three consecutive seasons. A victory would see them equal SuperSport United’s back-to-back triumphs in 2016 and 2017, but go one better with a third successive title — a feat no side has achieved in the competition’s modern era.
Coach Jose Riveiro, already a standout figure in the Nedbank Cup, has never lost a Soweto Derby since his arrival and will be chasing a sixth consecutive derby win. Lifting the trophy on Saturday would not only underline his domestic dominance but also offer a sense of redemption after failing to mount a serious title challenge in the league.
Kaizer Chiefs Desperate to End Trophy Drought
On the other side, Kaizer Chiefs are hoping to end a painful 10-year run without silverware. The club remains the most successful in this tournament with 13 titles, but their last cup win dates back to 2013. For coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is in pursuit of his first major trophy in local football, this match offers the perfect opportunity to stamp his mark at a club desperately seeking direction.
Defender Inacio Miguel summed up the mood in the camp, admitting it’s been a dismal season and that even a cup win won’t mask their struggles. With the club languishing in ninth place on the Betway Premiership table and at risk of finishing outside the Top 8, winning on Saturday is more than a matter of pride—it’s a lifeline.
Moses Mabhida: A Ground of Mixed Memories
The Moses Mabhida Stadium has seen both joy and heartbreak for these two giants. While Kaizer Chiefs suffered a shock loss to TS Galaxy in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final at the venue, Pirates have made it something of a fortress, having lifted four MTN8 trophies there. That history could play on the minds of both camps as they head into Saturday’s clash.
Season Salvation for Both Sides
For both Pirates and Chiefs, this final represents a shot at salvaging their seasons. Pirates have fallen far behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league race, and Chiefs are staring at the grim possibility of another bottom-half finish. A cup victory offers both sets of fans something to celebrate in what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign.
While Pirates are favourites based on recent form and their dominance in the Soweto Derby, cup finals often defy logic. Chiefs have the hunger and motivation to end their drought, and if they channel that desperation effectively, they could spring a surprise.
Nedbank Cup Final Prediction: Orlando Pirates 2–1 Kaizer Chiefs
With more consistency in their ranks and a manager who thrives in knockout competitions, Orlando Pirates are tipped to edge this battle. Expect a tense, physical encounter with moments of brilliance — and possibly late drama. Chiefs will push hard, but the Buccaneers’ momentum and recent record might just see them clinch a historic third straight crown.
Related article: Nedbank Cup Final: Exploring the History of Past Champions