The Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup Final 2025 Is Cooking!
Let’s be honest, football fans – if the 2025 Nedbank Cup semi-finals were a meal, it would be a Kota with everything thrown in: meat, chips, cheese, atchar, and a side of drama so hot it would make your nose run. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have just set up a Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup Final 2025 that promises more fireworks than New Year’s Eve at the Union Buildings.
While some of you were busy calculating how much you’d win on your weekend bet slips, these four teams were busy writing themselves into football folklore. So grab your vuvuzela and a cold one as we break down exactly what went down at these two semi-final clashes that have the whole country buzzing louder than a WhatsApp group when load shedding ends unexpectedly.
Chiefs vs Sundowns: David Slays Goliath
First Half: Sundowns Being Sundowns (Until They Weren’t)
If you bet on Kaizer Chiefs to beat Sundowns, congratulations! The odds were stacked higher than student debt against an Amakhosi side that had been Sundowns’ personal punching bag all season.
Let’s not sugarcoat it – Sundowns started the match looking like they owned Loftus Versfeld. Teboho Mokoena, with his right foot apparently blessed by the ancestors, unleashed a free-kick in the 38th minute that had Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma looking like he was frozen by loadshedding. 1-0 to Sundowns, and the Masandawana fans were already planning their trips to Moses Mabhida.
Chiefs fans at this point were doing what they do best – switching between prayer and profanity faster than a Gauteng taxi changes lanes. Their team looked shakier than a spaza shop table during an earthquake.
Second Half: Amakhosi Said “Hold My F***ing Beer”
Just when Sundowns thought they had one foot in the final, Chiefs remembered they’re still Kaizer Chiefs – the team with more comebacks than a politician before elections.
The 57th minute brought more drama when Sundowns defender Lucas Suarez (who was playing like his GPS was set to “confusion”) gifted the ball to young Wandile Duba. The 20-year-old Chiefs striker, with the audacity of someone who doesn’t pay for his own DStv, coolly slotted past Ronwen Williams. Suddenly, it was 1-1, and Loftus Versfeld turned into a scene from “The Walking Dead” – half the stadium celebrating, half in shock.
But wait! There’s more! Because in the 89th minute, Ashley du Preez decided to end Sundowns’ whole career. Dillan Solomons delivered a cross sweeter than malva pudding, and Du Preez connected with a volley so clean it could qualify as hand sanitizer. The ball nestled in the bottom corner, Williams didn’t even move, and Chiefs fans? Let’s just say noise complaints were filed across the country.
Final score: Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns. The greatest plot twist since finding out your ex is now driving an Uber.
Pirates vs Gallants: One-Way Traffic on the Sea of Goals
First Half: Buccaneers Sail Smoothly While Gallants… Didn’t
Over at Orlando Stadium, Pirates fans were drinking in more than just their pre-match quarts – they were absorbing a masterclass from a team that treats the Nedbank Cup like it’s their personal property.
By the 22nd minute, Kabelo Dlamini had already put Pirates ahead with the kind of finish that would make even the most disappointed parent proud. The build-up play was slicker with Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi providing an incredible assist.
Gallants’ defenders were more absent than students on a Monday morning, standing around like those cardboard cutouts used during COVID. Their midfield was leaking worse than government secrets, and their attack had all the potency of alcohol-free beer.
Second Half: Pirates Playing Keep-Ball Like It’s Their Toy
The second half was a classic case of “why score more when one is enough?” Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, showing game management skills that would make chess grandmasters envious, made substitutions more strategic than your aunt’s December savings plan.
Gallants tried to fight back – they really did – but their finishing was more disappointing than finding out the KFC you just queued an hour for is out of chicken. Even former Pirates man Gabadinho Mhango couldn’t conjure up magic against his old team. Maybe his powers don’t work against those who know his secrets?
Meanwhile, Pirates keeper Melusi Buthelezi was catching more balls than a cricket slip fielder, ensuring his clean sheet remained more pristine than a brand new pair of white takkies.
Deon Hotto nearly made it 2-0 late on, but his effort was cleared off the line in what was Gallants’ only defensive highlight of the match. The final whistle confirmed what everyone knew after 22 minutes – Pirates were heading to their third consecutive Nedbank Cup final.
Final score: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Marumo Gallants. As predictable as a Joburg traffic jam at 5 PM.
The Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup Final 2025: What’s Actually At Stake
Mark May 10th on your calendars, people – it’s not just any final, it’s THE final. Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is about to host a Soweto Derby that might require the national grid to prepare for extra power usage.
Bragging Rights That’ll Last Until Next Season (At Least)
For Chiefs fans, this is the chance to finally have something to Instagram about. After years of watching Pirates collect trophies like they’re Woolworths stickers, Amakhosi faithful can almost taste silverware again. Their last trophy? So long ago that some Gen Zs were still in primary school.
Pirates fans, meanwhile, are eyeing a historic threepeat – three Nedbank Cup titles in a row would make them the undisputed cup kings of South African football. The kind of achievement that lets you bring it up in every football argument for the next decade.
Coaches Under the Heat Lamp
For Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, this is his moment to prove he’s not just another name on the revolving door of Naturena. The Tunisian tactician has already done what seemed impossible by beating Sundowns, but can he complete the miracle and deliver Chiefs’ first trophy since lord knows when?
On the Pirates bench, Jose Riveiro is trying to cement his legacy as the cup specialist. The Spanish coach has already delivered back-to-back Nedbank Cup trophies, and a third would make him the most successful cup coach in recent PSL history. No pressure, ne?
Players to Watch in the Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup Final 2025
Chiefs’ Game-Changers
Wandile Duba: The youngster has gone from “Who’s that?” to “That’s my boy!” faster than a taxi from Joburg to Soweto. His semi-final goal has earned him legendary status before he’s even old enough to have wrinkles.
Ashley du Preez: If speed was money, Du Preez would be on the Forbes list. His winning goal against Sundowns wasn’t just important – it was a statement that Chiefs still have the quality to compete at the highest level.
Thabo Cele: The midfield maestro returned from injury just in time to help Chiefs overcome Sundowns. His composure on the ball is like that one friend who stays calm even when the bouncer won’t let your group into the club.
Pirates’ Key Men
Kabelo Dlamini: The man has a foot like a magic wand. His goal against Gallants showed why he’s becoming Pirates’ go-to guy for the big moments.
Patrick Maswanganyi: “Tito” is serving more assists than a busy waiter at Spur on Father’s Day. His vision and passing ability will be crucial in breaking down what will surely be a motivated Chiefs defense.
Melusi Buthelezi: The goalkeeper has more clean sheets this season than a hotel laundry room. Chiefs will need something special to get past this man.
Final Thoughts: A Soweto Derby Like No Other
The 2025 Nedbank Cup final isn’t just another match – it’s a cultural event. Whether you’re Team Khosi or Team Bucs, May 10th promises to deliver a spectacle worthy of South African football heritage.
Moses Mabhida Stadium will be packed tighter than ever with vuvuzelas louder than your neighbor’s house party.
So, football lovers of Mzansi, prepare yourselves for a Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup Final 2025 that might just be worth all the hype. Chiefs seeking redemption, Pirates hunting history – it’s the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
May the best team win… and may your bet slip smile back at you come the final whistle! As always, subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned to Betwize for the latest sporting updates!