Soweto Derby Showdown: Stats and Facts Behind the 2025 Nedbank Cup Final
The Nedbank Cup final in 2025 promises a historic clash as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates renew a rivalry that has spanned 55 years. For the first time since 2013, the Soweto Derby takes centre stage in a major cup final, with the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium hosting this high-stakes decider on Saturday. It will not only settle who lifts the trophy but also mark a momentous chapter in South African football.
A Rare Nedbank Cup Final Clash Between Giants
Despite their rich histories, this will be the first-ever Nedbank Cup final between Chiefs and Pirates since the tournament adopted its current name and sponsorship in 2008. In fact, it is only the third time the two clubs have met in the competition during this period, with Pirates victorious on both previous occasions. That history puts added pressure on Chiefs, who are seeking redemption and a return to glory.
Pirates Chasing a Historic Treble
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is on the verge of creating history. Having guided The Buccaneers to back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, he could become the first coach to win the competition three years in a row. Adding to the narrative is the fact that this final will be his swansong, with Riveiro set to depart after the match. He remains unbeaten in 14 Nedbank Cup fixtures — an incredible feat that underscores his tactical prowess.
Golden Boot Race: Mmodi vs Mabasa
The individual spotlight falls on Pule Mmodi of Chiefs and Tshegofatso Mabasa of Pirates. Both have netted four goals en route to the final and will be vying for the Golden Boot. Their performances could well tip the balance in this titanic encounter.
Moses Mabhida: A Theatre of Dreams and Disappointments
This will be the fifth time Moses Mabhida Stadium hosts the Nedbank Cup final. Chiefs have both triumphed and stumbled here — they beat SuperSport United 1-0 in 2013, only to suffer a shock defeat to TS Galaxy in 2019. Pirates, on the other hand, experienced both elation and heartbreak at the venue, winning in 2014 before losing heavily in 2017.
The Numbers Behind the Soweto Derby
| Number | Stat |
|---|---|
| 1 | First Nedbank Cup final between Chiefs and Pirates since Nedbank began sponsorship in 2008. Only their third meeting in the competition in 17 years. |
| 1 | Only one Nedbank Cup final has gone to penalties (2015: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Ajax Cape Town, Sundowns won 4-3). |
| 3 | Jose Riveiro aiming for a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title with Pirates. |
| 3 | Kermit Erasmus, the top scorer in Nedbank Cup finals since 2008, with 3 goals in two separate finals. |
| 3 | The biggest wins in Nedbank Cup finals: 4-1 (SuperSport United vs Pirates, 2017) and 3-0 (BidVest Wits vs AmaZulu, 2010). |
| 4 | Current top scorers in the 2025 Nedbank Cup: Pule Mmodi (Chiefs) and Tshegofatso Mabasa (Pirates), both with 4 goals. |
| 5 | Moses Mabhida Stadium hosts the final for the fifth time. |
| 7 | Pirates’ 7th Nedbank Cup final appearance since 2008, a record. |
| 7 | TS Galaxy’s biggest victory this year in the Nedbank Cup: 7-0 over CR Vasco da Gama. |
| 10 | Chiefs aiming to end a 10-year trophy drought since their last league title in 2015. |
| 12 | Chiefs’ last Nedbank Cup win was in 2013, defeating SuperSport United 1-0 in extra time. |
| 14 | Jose Riveiro is on a 14-game unbeaten run in the Nedbank Cup. |
| 50 | Chiefs’ 50th match in the Nedbank Cup since 2008, with 33 wins, 5 draws, and 11 losses. |
| 89 | Total goals scored in the 2025 Nedbank Cup (29 games, average of 2.93 goals per game). |
| 100% | Pirates’ perfect record in Nedbank Cup semifinals since 2008 (7 wins from 7). |
Biggest Final Victories and Historical Footnotes
The biggest winning margins in Nedbank Cup final history include SuperSport United’s 4-1 thrashing of Pirates in 2017 and BidVest Wits’ 3-0 win over AmaZulu in 2010. Notably, the last seven finals have been closely contested, each decided by a single goal — a trend that hints at a tight affair this weekend.
Also read: Nedbank Cup Final: Exploring the History of Past Champions
Saturday’s final is more than just a cup decider — it’s a celebration of South African football heritage. With stats, records and personal legacies on the line, this Soweto Derby promises to deliver drama, intensity, and perhaps, a historic twist or two. Whether it’s glory for Chiefs or a triumphant farewell for Riveiro, football lovers across the country are in for a treat.
