Inácio Miguel Determined to End Kaizer Chiefs’ Trophy Drought with Nedbank Cup Glory

Kaizer Chiefs’ long wait for silverware could finally end this weekend as they prepare to face their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates, in the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. For Inácio Miguel, the Angola international centre-back, this is not just another match — it’s an opportunity to end a decade-long trophy drought and make history with the Glamour Boys.

After two narrow losses to Pirates in the Premier Soccer League earlier this season, Chiefs are looking to turn the tide in their favour. Miguel, who is set to start after recovering from an injury, believes his team is more than capable of clinching the win. While Pirates may enter the final with confidence after their recent successes, Miguel is convinced that Chiefs can capitalize on any complacency.

“Last weekend’s result might make Pirates a little bit over-confident, and we are well prepared, mentally and physically, to take advantage of any complacency in their team,” Miguel said in an interview with the club’s media team. “We go into the game knowing there is no second chance in a final, and we want to show everyone, including ourselves, that we can do it.”

The Angolan defender acknowledged that although Chiefs lost both previous Soweto derby encounters this season, the games were close, with small mistakes determining the outcomes. He emphasized that the team has learned from those errors and is ready to make sure history does not repeat itself in the final.

“We feel we weren’t outplayed and could have won them,” he explained. “They were decided on a couple of small mistakes, and it is our mission to not repeat those mistakes. We have the belief that we can beat them.”

Miguel, who arrived at Chiefs as one of the club’s key signings this season, also knows that the fans have been waiting for a trophy for a long time. The Angolan is acutely aware of the emotional weight of the final for the supporters, who have endured a lengthy spell without silverware. But rather than dwell on the past, Miguel is fully focused on the present, with the goal of lifting the trophy and delivering what the Chiefs faithful have been craving for so long.

“We live in the present and can’t dwell on what the Club hasn’t done in the past 10 years,” he said. “We have a final to play with a trophy on the line. We have a mission to fulfil, and we are totally focused on what is in our hands, what we can do.”

The 25-year-old believes the team’s collective focus and determination will be key to overcoming their rivals. “Right now, that is to bring the cup home, and we are working hard to make it happen.”

Miguel’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Chiefs as they prepare for what promises to be a dramatic final. Coach Nasreddine Nabi will be without the services of Bradley Cross due to injury, but Miguel’s experience and leadership at the back will be crucial in keeping Pirates’ attacking threats at bay.

As the final approaches, Chiefs supporters will be hoping that this could finally be the moment that their beloved club ends the decade-long wait for a trophy. Miguel’s determination, combined with the collective ambition of the team, could be the key to bringing the Nedbank Cup back to Naturena and making history for Kaizer Chiefs.