Kaizer Chiefs Urged to Reach Orlando Pirates & Sundowns’ Elite Level – A Move That Could Transform Bafana Bafana’s Future

Kaizer Chiefs have been encouraged to raise their standards to match the dominant duo of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, as doing so could significantly benefit South African football on a broader scale—particularly the national team, Bafana Bafana.

After a long and frustrating trophy drought, the Glamour Boys have shown signs of resurgence with their recent triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns to reach the Nedbank Cup final. It was a moment that not only revived belief among fans but also offered a glimpse of the potential return to glory under coach Nasreddine Nabi’s leadership.

For the past decade, Amakhosi have watched from the sidelines as Sundowns collected Premier Soccer League titles—seven in a row—while Pirates steadily built their own legacy through multiple domestic cup wins. Since the 2022–23 season, the Buccaneers have already lifted five trophies, including the MTN 8 and the Nedbank Cup.

While Chiefs have struggled to find consistency in the league this season, with a top-eight finish still uncertain, their cup run has provided a vital confidence boost.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana winger Mandla Masango believes Chiefs’ victory over Sundowns in the semi-final could be a turning point, not only for the club but for South African football as a whole.

“I think this win will most definitely do a world of wonders for these guys because now, when you’re in a big game, it gives you that motivation factor that you can build momentum from,” Masango said in an interview with SABC Sport.

He further emphasized the broader impact of Chiefs returning to top form: “If they can start competing consistently with Pirates and Sundowns, it will help Bafana Bafana in terms of experience. These are big matches, pressure-filled situations. If our local players are exposed to that regularly, the national team will benefit.”

Masango also urged the team to maintain consistency moving forward. “Now everyone is confident. We beat Sundowns, why not beat Chippa? So I think this was a massive morale boost for the team. Now, it’s just a matter of being consistent, that’s all.”

With the Nedbank Cup final against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs have an opportunity to make a statement and potentially lift their first major silverware in a decade. For Masango and many fans, it’s not just about the trophy—it’s about proving that Amakhosi can once again stand toe-to-toe with the best in the country.