Nedbank Cup Final Preview: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates – Predictions, Line-Up, Kick-Off

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates are set to meet in a mouth-watering Nedbank Cup final on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This is the first such meeting in the final since 2006. Just a week after the Buccaneers edged their rivals 2-1 in the Betway Premiership, fans are being treated to another edition of the iconic Soweto Derby. However, this time around, the silverware is on the line.

Recent Form and Motivation

Pirates come into this final with momentum, having defeated both Chiefs and Golden Arrows in the space of four days. José Riveiro’s side is chasing a historic third successive Nedbank Cup title while simultaneously battling for Premiership glory. The team is unbeaten in five derbies and has developed a knack for getting the job done in knockout games. The Buccanneers has lifted five cup trophies since 2022.

For Chiefs, this final represents more than just a shot at silverware – it’s a chance to bring back pride to a club that hasn’t lifted a trophy since 2015. Nasreddine Nabi’s men are ninth in the league and at risk of missing MTN8 football again. Their route to the final, however, included a memorable 2-1 semi-final win over league leaders, which ensured a likely return to continental competition via the CAF Confederation Cup.

Nedbank Cup Final: Team News and Line-ups

Chiefs will be without Bradley Cross (suspension), Given Msimango, Reeve Frosler and Rushwin Dortley (injuries), while Thabo Cele and Inácio Miguel are racing against time to be fit. Wandile Duba returns from suspension and is expected to lead the line.

Pirates welcome back Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi from suspension, bolstering their defence and midfield. Riveiro’s only dilemma is up front – with Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa both staking a claim to start.

Expected Lineups

Kaizer Chiefs:
Bvuma; Mashiane, Dove, Miguel, Solomons; Cele, Maart; Lilepo, Sirino, Mmodi; Duba

Orlando Pirates:
Chaine; Hotto, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen; Mbatha, Makhaula; Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Nkota; Makgopa

Cup Pedigree at Moses Mabhida

Pirates have played more finals at Moses Mabhida than Chiefs and have the better record there in recent years. They’ve won three MTN8 finals in Durban since 2020, while Chiefs’ last appearance at this venue in a final saw them stunned by TS Galaxy in 2019.

Stats to Note:

• Pirates have beaten Chiefs in their last five meetings.
• The last six Soweto Derbies have all been decided by a single goal.
• Pirates started six players under the age of 23 in their latest derby victory.
• Chiefs’ last win over Pirates in a final came in the 2014 MTN8.

Chiefs vs Pirates Prediction

With Pirates’ experience, form and depth, they go into this final as favourites. Chiefs, though, are desperate to end their trophy drought and have shown spirit in the cup. It promises to be a tight, bruising encounter – as Soweto Derbies always are – but the Buccaneers may just have the edge.

Prediction: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Will Amakhosi finally break their silverware drought or will the Buccaneers make history with a third Nedbank Cup in a row? The country will be watching.

Related article: All Clear for Orlando Pirates: No Injuries, No Suspensions for Nedbank Final