Kaizer Chiefs have done it! After nearly a decade without silverware, the Amakhosi lifted the Nedbank Cup in a thrilling 2-1 victory over their oldest rivals, proving once again that glory never fades… it just waits for the right moment.
South Africa (11 May 2025) – It was a fairy-tale night at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, as Kaizer Chiefs finally ended a decade-long wait for silverware. The Johannesburg side beat fierce rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 to lift the Nedbank Cup on Saturday. A 50,000-strong crowd erupted as club captain Yusuf Maart smashed home the late winner in the 80th minute.
The victory not only ended Chiefs’ trophy drought since 2015 but also reignited hope and joy among the fans.
Chiefs had been starved of trophies for nearly ten years, despite a history of success. Before this weekend, the club had won a record 53 major titles since its founding in 1970… but none since 2015. That run finally came to an end on Saturday. The Nedbank Cup win will go down in club lore, rescuing a season that had seen struggles in the league. It was a triumphant turnaround that Chiefs players and supporters will be celebrating for a long time.
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute. Yusuf Maart found space and struck low into the corner to make it 2-1, a goal worthy of a final. The Moses Mabhida crowd exploded in jubilation, with fireworks and yellow-and-black streamers filling the stadium. In that instant, years of frustration melted away as the Chiefs faithful realised their team was lifting silverware once again.
The relief and joy were palpable in the players’ comments. Captain Yusuf Maart was emotional during his post-match interview, first thanking everyone who had backed the team.
“Firstly we say, Alhamdulillah to the almighty and for my teammates, technical team and supporters who always stand behind us… with spirit, one love, one character and I’m grateful,” he said.
Maart also noted the unity in the team, adding that “we were a collective as a team… the supporters had the right mindset also” to pull off the win. He dedicated the triumph to “them [the fans], to the Chairman, for us as players” – a reminder that this cup was for the entire Chiefs family.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi admitted he felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders. He smiled broadly as he spoke about the win, saying simply “I am very happy for the supporters… Our second-half substitutions brought more balance to the team and the players became more confident.”
Nabi praised the character of his squad in fighting for every ball and said this trophy will give them belief going forward.
As Maart said, at least they have brought “something home” to celebrate. It was an evening of smiles, hugs and yellow confetti… and it ends on an incredibly positive note, reminding everyone why we love this game so much.
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