Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: The 2025 Nedbank Cup final showdown
Greetings before Soweto derby Players from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates shake hands before the start of the last Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The two teams will meet twice over the next two weeks, starting this past weekend. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs collide on Saturday in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with silverware, pride, and history all on the line in South Africa's biggest football rivalry.
The iconic Durban venue — a 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-final host — will once again take centre stage as the Soweto giants meet for the ninth time in a Nedbank Cup final. This time, it's about more than just bragging rights.
The Buccaneers come into the match in good form and with real momentum.
Their 2-1 league win over Chiefs last weekend — thanks to goals from Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng — ensured a league double over their rivals and extended coach Jose Riveiro's unbeaten run in Soweto derbies since taking charge nearly three years ago.
The Buccaneers are aiming to complete a treble of Nedbank Cup titles, having won the competition in 2023 and 2024.
Far from underwhelming, their 2024/25 campaign has been one of consistency and progression. They sit second in the Betway Premiership standings, remain mathematically in the title race, and have built a team with both depth and identity.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Riveiro's side have been efficient in knockout football, showing composure and attacking intent.
If they lift the trophy on Saturday, Pirates will not only assert their recent dominance in the derby but also underline their status as the country's most successful side in recent domestic cup competitions.
The Glamour Boys, meanwhile, are seeking a turning point. Still outside the top eight and under pressure after another stuttering league campaign, Nasreddine Nabi's team need this trophy to inject belief into a new era.
A first title since 2015 would go a long way in restoring pride at Naturena.
Chiefs boast the historical edge in Nedbank Cup finals against Pirates, winning six of the previous eight, including triumphs in 1971, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984, and 2006.
But the tide has turned in recent years, with Pirates winning the last five derbies — including a 2-1 semi-final victory in this very competition in 2024.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
19 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs rumours: Mako, Monyane, Mayambela, Okon
Today's Kaizer Chiefs rumour wrap looks at potential incoming and outgoings as the Glamour Boys aim to get closer to being a title-challenging outfit. Mihlali Mayambela has hinted that he could be ready to return to South Africa. Full-backs Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane are both available after being released by Orlando Pirates. According to iDiski Times, Mihlali Mayambela is itching for a move back to South Africa. The 28-year-old brother of former Orlando Pirates playmaker Mark Mayambela has spent the last nine-and-a-half years in Europe, enjoying stints in Sweden, Portugal and Cyprus. He also has 16 caps for South Africa. This season, Mayambela has four goals and five assists from 23 appearances in the Cypriot top flight. Kaizer Chiefs ditch Mokwana, reignite interest in old target SAFootClassics on X have shared a local report from SuperJourno suggesting that Orlando Pirates right-back Thabiso Monyane has been offered to Kaizer Chiefs. It's not the most far-fetched rumour we've ever heard. Pirates already have several players in that position, with Deano van Rooyen and Bandile Shandu currently vying for the role. Monyane and his namesake Thabiso Lebitso have hardly had a look-in. Chiefs are also in advanced talks with Paseka Mako. Click for the story Ime Okon has broken onto the scene for SuperSport United, quickly becoming a key pillar for Matsatsantsa at age 21. Click for the story Ime Okon was on trial at Dynamo Kiev. Image: FARPost Will Chiefs get all of their business done this winter? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
38 minutes ago
- The South African
Teko sends honest transfer message to Orlando Pirates boss
Teko Modise knows the world of being an Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana superstar like Relebohile Mofokeng. The Soweto-born legend has sent what sounds like a plea to Orlando Pirates regarding the future of the 20-year-old Mofokeng. Randfontein-born star had a decent season with 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games. According to Modise, Mofokeng is ripe to take the ideal next step in his career. It is a move to Europe, where football is at its highest level. Orlando Pirates news: Saleng and Sibisi 'When it comes to Rele, it's very difficult for Orlando Pirates to sell, especially when it comes to top players,' Modise told FARPost on the talented Sea Robber. 'The last time they had a player who was exciting like that was [Thembinkosi] Lorch. Yes, sometimes, as South African fans, we want to see the youngsters go further abroad and do great things,' the Orlando Pirates legend added. 'I just wish that happens for him sooner rather than later so that he becomes a better player. The better Rele, the better the national team will be, cause at some point, he's going to be the superstar of the national team. 'I strongly believe that Orlando Pirates know what they have. I just hope that it happens for the boy, I so wish that it happens for the boy. Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X 'It will not only improve his life but also his family. He must play the UEFA Champions League, cause I think if he gets to be in that type of position, I'll be more proud because he would have gotten the opportunities that I never had. 'I'm rallying that he goes [overseas] because it would be great to see the youngster that we've all seen from the DDC to the PSL to actually go overseas. That would be great,' Modise added on the young Buccaneer. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates to hijack Kaizer Chiefs striker target?
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are set to make some huge changes to their respective squad for next season. Chiefs are preparing for their first season in Africa with Nasreddine Nabi, while Pirates start life without Jose Riveiro. With that, it's imperative for both Soweto giants to attack the transfer market, in order to boost their squads. In previous windows it has been a common practice to see both Pirates and Chiefs in the same market. They were believed to be chasing the likes of Oswin Appollis. Furthermore, his Polokwane City teammate Thabang Matuludi, Chippa United star Sinoxolo Kwayiba too. The two clubs are also reported to be interested in Fawaaz Basadien, who Mamelodi Sundowns are eyeing too. The next player that the two clubs were thought to be battling for is Masindi Nemtajela of Marumo Gallants. But not so long ago, another player that was a hot topic for both Chiefs and Pirates was Rowan Human. Ironically links to the player have resurfaced for the player. Now another player that could enter that conversation is his ex-AmaZulu teammate Etiosa Ighodaro. The Nigerian striker was on loan to Usuthu from Mamelodi Sundowns but could be available on a free transfer now. Just last week Chiefs were credited with interest in Ighodaro again. Now according to Soccer-Laduma , Pirates have now also entered the race for his signature! 'There are local teams apart from Kaizer Chiefs who are also interested in him. I can tell you that AmaZulu FC have already contacted Sundowns and the player's representatives as they want to keep him (after the loan). And there is Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United. It's believed that they have both been in touch concerning Ighodaro. It's a matter of who comes up with the best offer,' said a source to the same publication. Which of Chiefs or Pirates needs Ighodaro the most? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.