Kaizer Chiefs ended their decade-long trophy drought with a sensational 2-1 Soweto Derby win over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was a Soweto Derby of contrasting fortunes, with Pirates overwhelming favourites despite Chiefs beating Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld last month to book their place in the final.
This due to Chiefs being without a win in seven consecutive games, the last of which was a 2-1 home defeat to the Buccaneers at FNB Stadium – added to a decade long trophy drought having over their heads.
Pirates, coming to grips with the fact their head coach Jose Riveiro would be leaving at the end of the season was reveling in the proverbial last dance, having won three MTN8 titles in a row and one game away of replicating the feat with the Nedbank Cup.
However, they got off to a poor start, as Deano van Rooyen conceded a penalty inside the opening 15 minutes which Gaston Sirino slotted home to send the Amakhosi faithful into ecstasy in Durban.
But the lead last less than ten minutes, as Evidence Makgopa levelled matters as he headed home an inch-perfect freekick from Deon Hotto, making it back to back goals in the Derby, and his 10th this season across all competitions.
The second half was less entertaining from a chance creation point of view, with neither Brandon Petersen or Sipho Chaine having much to do, but the fight between the two sides were evident, it was a clear war between two fierce rivals aiming for cup glory on the day.
But Chiefs were well in it and limiting Riveiro’s side from creating any clear cut chances, it was rather Amakhosi that looked the more likely to score.
And the goal came from the much-maligned captain Yusuf Maart, who has divided opinion amongst the club’s supporters over the years, with a stunning winner from range with his weaker left foot.
Chiefs managed to hold onto the lead and secure a memorable victory, their first silverware since winning the league in the 2014/15 season and ending the dream of Pirates securing a three-peat of the competition.
