Kaizer Chiefs stunned Orlando Pirates to win the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, ending their 10-year trophy drought.
The Glamour Boys were considered underdogs having lost twice to Pirates this season, including last weekend, but they were the better team on the day, fully deserving of their victory.
Gaston Sirino gave Chiefs a 10th minute lead from the penalty spot before Evidence Makgopa equalised seven minutes later but Yusuf Maart won it for Nasreddine Nabi’s men with an 80th minute strike.
Afrik-Foot highlights how both sets of players performed in the latest installment of Soweto Derby.
Kaizer Chiefs
Brandon Petersen 5/10
Was not tested by the Pirates attackers but could not do much to keep out Makgopa’s header. Punched away a couple of Pirates’ attempts from Deon Hotto and Mohau Nkota.
Dillon Solomons 6/10
The right-back was great for Chiefs in defence and going forward with his runs down the flank causing Pirates problems.
Edmilson Dove 6/10
Played at left-back in the absence of Bradley Cross and did well although he struggled with aerial balls.
Zitha Kwinika 6.5/10
The defender had a better game compared to last weekend as he commanded his area and won most aerial duels.
Miguel Inacio 7/10
The Angolan was one of the bright spots for Chiefs in the final as he cleared out the danger well and did not give Pirates’ dangermen Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng an easy time.
Yusuf Maart 8.5/10
Man of the match, the Chiefs captain led from the front by firing in the match winner on his weaker left foot and he had also put in a great display in midfield.
Thabo Cele 6.5/10
The January signing returned to the starting XI and offered great protection to the defence and also helped carry the ball forward for Chiefs.
Gaston Sirino 6.5/10
The Uruguayan-born scored the penalty for Chiefs but that was the only contribution of note from him before he was taken off with a little over 20 minutes to go.
Pule Mmodi 7/10
Only a goal was missing from his great performance but he was a thorn in the flesh for Pirates all game. Won the penalty for Chiefs’ first goal but missed a sitter later in the second half.
Glody Lilepo 5.5/10
The Congolese did not make an impact in Durban as he had done last week and is among Chiefs players who were expected to shine but did not.
Wandile Duba 6/10
The returning forward had a good game in the first, even if he did not score. He gave Mmodi a great pass before he was fouled for the penalty but his influence waned after the break.
Subs
Mduduzi Shabalala 7/10
Was key to Chiefs scoring the second goal as his exchange of passes with Ashley Du Preez saw Maart score the winner and should have been on the scoresheet just before that after Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a mess of a clearance.
Ashley Du Preez 6.5/10
Another substitute who had an impact off the bench, Du Preez added pace and incisiveness into the Chiefs attack and it was through his swift passing that the winner was scored.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa 6/10
Ox also added tenacity to the Chiefs midfield when he came on with his physicality key to Amakhosi keeping the Buccaneers at bay.
George Matlou NA
Came on with two minutes to go as coach Nabi sought to run down the clock.
Edson Castillo NA
Came with two minutes to go.
Orlando Pirates
Sipho Chaine 6/10
Dived the right way for the penalty but could not do much to keep out Maart’s goal. Still made a couple saves that kept Pirates alive until the late sucker punch.
Deano van Rooyen 5.5/10
Unfortunate to give away the penalty but still did not do so well as the Chiefs wingers made inroads on the right side of Pirates’ defence. He, however, got into good space on the other end and should have finished with an assist.
Deon Hotto 7/10
Was among the bright spots for Pirates on a day when the Bucs struggled as he floated in the freekick that Makgopa scored from and also got into the Chiefs penalty box and caused problems.
Nkosinathi Sibisi 6/10
Returned to the side after missing last week’s derby but did not enjoy a commanding game as he was beaten for pace at times although he thwarted some key Chiefs attacks.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi 5/10
The 19-year-old did not have a good game by his high standards and nearly got punished when Mduduzi Shabalala stole the ball from his poor pass with only Pule Mmodi’s miss saving him the blushes.
Thalente Mbatha 6.5/10
Had his moments in the first half when Pirates were on top with some good passing and interception but struggled late on when Chiefs went for it. He missed a great chance from an overhead kick.
Makhehlene Makhaula 6/10
The midfield general did well to shield the defence although he struggled for pace when the Chiefs attackers made inroads into the Pirates box.
Patrick Maswanganyi 5/10
Tito was nowhere to be seen on the day with his movement keenly watched by the Chiefs defenders. He failed to trouble Petersen in goal and wasted the half chances that came his way.
Mohau Nkota 7/10
The winger was lively and should have scored in the first half when he cut in before firing low and also had a couple of opportunities in the second half.
Relebohile Mofokeng 6/10
Rele did not make an impact as he had done in this fixture previously but was still lively when he got the ball, looking to release his fellow attackers or trying from inside and outside the box.
Evidence Makgopa 8/10
The striker scored Pirates’ only goal when he showed good movement to head home at the back post and had two other chances that went begging.
Subs
Tshegofatso Mabasa 4/10
Replaced Makgopa in the 62nd minute but did little to trouble the Chiefs defence.
Kabelo Dlamini 5/10
Came on with 15 minutes remaining but apart from two good deliveries from the setpieces, his presence was not felt.
Karim Kimvuidi 4/10
Had minimal impact after coming on for Nkota in the 73rd minute.
