Top five standout players from the Nedbank Cup final
Kaizer Chiefs' patchy season ended on a high as they finally ended their long trophy drought with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in Saturday's Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Buccaneers, chasing a third Nedbank Cup title in three seasons, fell at the final hurdle — and as the curtain fell on the 2025 edition of the competition, we take a look at five players who made the biggest impact throughout the tournament.
Pule Mmodi
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on tomorrow afternoon. As it is the last Soweto Derby of the season, and there's silverware at stake, so we can be sure that the clash means a lot for both teams.
Image: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
Often flying under the radar, Pule Mmodi emerged as one of Kaizer Chiefs' key figures in their triumphant Nedbank Cup run. It was his clever play that earned the decisive penalty in the final, setting the tone for Chiefs' victory seven days after suffering a 2-1 loss in the league.
His energetic start contributed to an early breakthrough, unsettling the Buccaneers right from kickoff.
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Mmodi was effective in front of goal, and his tireless runs and relentless pressure down the flanks played a key role in keeping Pirates pinned back — particularly during a second half that Chiefs unexpectedly controlled.
The winger finished as Chiefs' top scorer in the competition, netting four goals and firmly staking his claim as one of the standout players of the tournament.
Inacio Miguel
KAIZER Chiefs defender Miguel Inacio. | BackpagePix
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
The hard-tackling center-back was the anchor in Amakhosi's defense throughout their Nedbank Cup run. While Chiefs struggled for defensive consistency in the league, his presence brought much-needed stability — and in the four matches he featured, they conceded just two goals.
His leadership and composure were especially vital in containing a dangerous Pirates attack filled with pace and flair.
Beyond his defensive contributions, his cool head from the penalty spot proved equally valuable. He played a crucial role in Chiefs' path to the final, finishing the tournament with an impressive three goals.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
ORLANDO Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues to receive rave reviews after his domestic and continental exploits. | BackpagePix
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
It was a mixed campaign for the Buccaneers, but the emergence of 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi was a major positive. Since making his first appearance in the quarter-finals against SuperSport United, he has impressed with his strength in defense and surprising maturity.
Not only did he stand up to some of the best attacks in the competition, but he also showed his offensive instincts with a crucial goal in the quarter-final that went to penalties.
Despite the final defeat, Mbokazi was one of Pirates' best performers on the day and looks set to play a central role in the club's plans next season.
Makhehlene Makhaula
ON THE MOVE Makhehlene Makhaula in action for Orlando Pirates against Chippa United on Wednesday during the Betway Premiership clash. Picture: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
Image: Picture: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
The veteran midfielder was the glue in Pirates' engine room, playing all five matches and anchoring the midfield with determination and grit.
While his offensive contribution remains limited, his partnerships with Kabelo Dlamini and Thalente Mbatha gave the Buccaneers a strong midfield base through the tournament.
His gap in midfield was felt after being substituted, as Chiefs found the winner late on—a moment that perhaps exposed the leadership and defensive cover Makhaula typically provides.
Yusuf Maart
Yusuf Maart Captain Yusuf Maart will be keen to win over the Kaizer Chiefs fans with a win against Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Amakhosi captain Yusuf Maart has faced his fair share of criticism for underwhelming performances over the past season. And while his overall impact in the Nedbank Cup campaign may have been limited, he delivered when it mattered most — producing what could be considered Kaizer Chiefs' most defining moment in the last decade.
The former Pirates development player came back to haunt his former youth club, scoring the dramatic winner with just ten minutes remaining, sealing the 2–1 victory and ending Chiefs' long-standing trophy drought.
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