Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will make their highly anticipated return to Durban for the Nedbank Cup final, marking a significant moment after 19 years since their last appearance in the city. Their last meeting in the final, back in 2006, ended in a 0-0 draw, with Kaizer Chiefs emerging victorious 5-3 in the penalty shootout.
The rivalry between these two clubs in the prestigious Nedbank Cup goes way back to 1971, creating a long-standing and storied history between them. Here’s a look at the key numbers and milestones in this legendary showdown as Kaizer Chiefs aim for an unprecedented 14th title:
- 1971: The first encounter between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup came in the final, where the first match ended 2-2, and Chiefs won the replay 2-1, with goals from Petrus ‘Ten Ten’ Ndzimande and Michael ‘Bizzah’ Dlamini.
- PSL Era: This will be just the second meeting between the two teams in a Nedbank Cup final in the PSL era (since 1996/97), the first being in the 2005/06 season.
- Coaches: Four different Kaizer Chiefs coaches have won the Nedbank Cup in their first season in charge, and Nasreddine Nabi could become the fourth coach to achieve this feat in the upcoming final.
- KwaZulu-Natal: The match will mark the fourth time these two giants face off in a Nedbank Cup final in KwaZulu-Natal, with Chiefs having won the previous two encounters in the region.
- Top Scorer: Kaizer Chiefs’ all-time top scorer in derby games, Ace Ntsoelengoe, scored 19 goals against Orlando Pirates, including in five Nedbank Cup finals.
- Historical Context: Over the course of their rivalry, Kaizer Chiefs have won six of the previous eight Nedbank Cup finals against Orlando Pirates. However, Pirates also claimed two victories, in 1975 and 1988.
- Finals: This will be the 20th Nedbank Cup final for Kaizer Chiefs, having won the title 13 times, with their most recent win in 2013.
- Total Matches: With 21 encounters in all rounds of the Nedbank Cup between the two teams, the rivalry has seen 46 goals scored, with both clubs netting 23 goals each.
As the teams prepare for this thrilling encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May 2025, it will be exactly 19,510 days since their very first meeting in the Nedbank Cup on 11 December 1971. This adds yet another chapter to their long-standing history and fierce competition.
The showdown promises to be a historic clash filled with passion, pride, and footballing drama. Stay tuned for what’s sure to be a memorable final in one of South Africa’s greatest football rivalries.
