Chiefs end 10 years of silverware drought with Nedbank Cup triumph

The result ended their decade-long trophy drought and sparked wild celebrations nationwide. There were sterling performances from the likes of Yusuf Maart and Gaston Sirino. In the league, Sundowns (who have no such silverware problems) took one step closer to an eighth consecutive league title. Winners and Losers is a statistical review of the weekend action.

Kaizer Chiefs

9 May 2015 to 10 May 2025 was the gap between Chiefs holding a trophy aloft in front of their fans. There is a poetic justice to the 10-year gap between silverware. But what may be lost in that noise is how this trophy was well deserved. Chiefs beat all three PSL representatives in CAF on their Nedbank Cup journey, a confirmation that this was a steep mountain to climb. The Cup Kings may just be back.

14 – This is the Chiefs’ 14th FA Cup triumph since 1971, more than any other South African side.

Nasreddine Nabi

Doubts have been raised about his suitability for the role from his first day. Even after winning the Nedbank Cup, rumours were circulating that he was on his way out. Whatever shortcomings have derailed their league campaign, this triumph is a testament to his ability to instil belief in a squad and motivate them towards a series of big wins.

4 – This was Chiefs’ 4th FA Cup title in the PSL era, with all four delivered by coaches in their 1st season.

Yusuf Maart

Like his coach, Maart’s suitability as a Kaizer Chiefs player, let alone captain, has been the subject of ongoing conversation. In Chiefs’ biggest game of the decade, he bossed the midfield – no player attempted more tackles (4) and none won more (3) in a stop-start game. His goal capped off a great game, and his Man of the Match award was well deserved.

14 – Chiefs have scored 14 goals in the Nedbank Cup this season, their most in a single edition of the competition since 1998/99 (also 14).

Sundowns

We’ve got so used to them being exceptional that it barely raises an eyebrow when they comfortably beat a side as good as Stellenbosch. This was the first time in PSL history Downs scored thrice in the opening 18 minutes of a league game. They could have had more if they had not played with the handbrake on.

60+ – Sundowns are the first team to score 60+ goals during a single season in the 30-game PSL era.

Sundowns’ home record

Sundowns’ dominance is best expressed by their home results, and it is an astonishing one. 14 games (including Royal AM). 14 wins. No draws. Mo losses.

100% – Sundowns have won all their home league games this season (P14* W14 D0 L0), extending the record for consecutive home wins by a team in PSL history.

Losers

Nedbank Cup organisers

In the end, the organisers delivered a great spectacle on the field. But the confusion and anguish fans endured throughout the week regarding tickets will leave a sour taste for a long time.

Jose Riveiro

It’s hard to fault a man who has won five of his six finals for his team in three years. However, the Spaniard will be the first to admit that he was outsmarted with his substitutions. Whereas Chiefs’ subs gave them extra impetus in the dying minutes, Riveiro’s changes seemed to have the opposite effect.

4/5 – Pirates have lost four of the five Cup finals they have played against Chiefs in the PSL era.