Kaizer Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The sold-out Soweto Derby delivered on drama and intensity, but it was Amakhosi who walked away with silverware for the first time since 2015 – and at the expense of their fiercest rivals.
Chiefs were handed the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty inside 15 minutes.
Pule Mmodi was brought down by Deano van Rooyen, and veteran Gaston Sirino stepped up to convert from the spot in the 16th minute.
Pirates hit back almost immediately. Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa, who scored in last week’s league derby, rose unmarked at the far post to head home a 23rd-minute equaliser from a well-delivered free-kick.
The match seemed to be settling into a familiar rhythm when Yusuf Maart, the much-maligned Chiefs midfielder, turned hero.
He struck the decisive goal in the 80th minute – reacting quickly in the box to steer the ball past Sipho Chaine.
It was a moment of redemption for Maart and a turning point in a final that had hung in the balance for long stretches.
Pirates had gone into the match as favourites.
They were chasing a third straight Nedbank Cup crown, and had won the last five meetings against Chiefs, including a league double this season.
But Chiefs arrived in Durban with something to prove.
No true Kaizer Chiefs fan will pass this tweet without appreciating Maart, what a goal 🔥🔥#NedbankCupFinal2025 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/iWDpNxxrtd
— k2 (@TalkLessers) May 10, 2025
Coach Nasreddine Nabi made bold changes, including a start for third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and the return of vice-captain Inacio Miguel after injury.
The first half was played at a high tempo.
After the early flurry of goals, Pirates looked to take control. Patrick Maswanganyi missed a good chance from a Relebohile Mofokeng cross, while Mohau Nkota forced a sharp save from Petersen at the near post.
Chiefs weathered the pressure and started the second half with renewed purpose.
The midfield trio of Maart, Thabo Cele and Siyethemba Sithebe began to assert themselves, while the backline remained composed.
10 year trophy drought…
Oh @KaizerChiefs you have changed my life 💛✌🏽😭#KC | #NedbankCupFinal2025— huh? (@Thando______) May 10, 2025
Miguel’s leadership at the back proved crucial. His reading of the game and calm presence allowed Chiefs to absorb pressure and play on the break.
As the game edged towards extra time, it was Chiefs who found the extra gear.
The move leading to Maart’s goal was a rare moment of fluidity, but it was enough to secure the win.
Pirates threw numbers forward in the closing minutes, but their efforts were repelled by a determined Amakhosi defence.
The fulltime whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Chiefs faithful. A season of frustration was washed away with a single, glorious result.
For Pirates and Jose Riveiro, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise strong campaign.
But on the biggest day of the season, it was Chiefs who stood tall.
