The day all staunch SA football fans have been waiting for is edging closer, as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will take their rivalry to another level when they meet in the Nedbank Cup final.
Amakhosi and the Buccaneers will collide once again in the Soweto derby in a space of seven days. This time it is going to be in the Nedbank Cup final at an already sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Chiefs and Pirates have always created a buzz around their fixture, with bragging rights always at stake. However, going into this particular encounter, a lot will be at stake. Both teams will be fighting for more than bragging rights.
Pirates out to grab the silverware
Given that it will be coach Jose Riveiro’s final Soweto derby and cup final in South Africa, Pirates will be looking to bid farewell to the Spaniard with some silverware and ultimately defend their Nedbank Cup crown for a historic third time in a row.
Amakhosi, on the other hand, will be more than desperate to end their decade-long trophy drought under the tutelage of Nasreddine Nabi.
“All the players, the coaching staff, and management know how important it will be for us to win this trophy for the fans,” Nabi told Sunday World during a press conference at the Chiefs Village early this week.
“The fans are tired of the talking. So the least we can do as the club is to deliver the Nedbank Cup to them. And that’s because they deserve it for all the support that they have shown to us throughout the season.”
Chiefs out to end the long drought
Nabi’s assistant coach Cedri Kaze reiterated the Tunisian’s sentiments. He emphasised that they need to show up on the day against a Pirates side that has beaten them twice already in the Betway Premiership this season.
“We understand very well the frustrations of the fans. And we share those frustrations as well. But coming into this game, it’s a one … I’m pretty sure ladies will agree with me, you have been struggling for nine months of pregnancy. Now it’s time to deliver,” Kaze said during a joint press conference in Durban on Wednesday.
“Everyone… the whole family needs to show up on the day. Everyone who loves the family needs to show up. That’s the only advice I will give to them.
In it to win
“I have been with coach Nabi for almost three years. And it has indeed been a difficult season we’ve faced because of the expectations that have not been met yet.
“But he has a lot of experience from a lot of countries and teams. He understands the expectations and the struggles we are going through. That gives him the tools to prepare for the future.”
