Kaizer Chiefs Eye Redemption in Nedbank Cup Final Despite Depth Concerns

Kaizer Chiefs’ 2024/25 season has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and mounting pressure from fans, but a golden opportunity awaits this weekend. The Soweto giants are preparing to face Orlando Pirates in a blockbuster Nedbank Cup final — a match that could salvage pride and deliver the club’s first trophy in a decade.

A Chance at Redemption

With their league campaign all but over and a top-eight finish hanging in the balance, Amakhosi now have one chance to rewrite the narrative of a turbulent season. Victory in the Nedbank Cup final would not only end their long-standing trophy drought but also secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup — a crucial step in returning to continental relevance.

However, heading into the high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pirates, squad depth remains a major concern for Chiefs.

Sirino Highlights Chiefs’ Lack of Depth

Speaking candidly ahead of the final, midfielder Gaston Sirino — a former Mamelodi Sundowns star now with Chiefs — highlighted the stark difference in depth between the two clubs. While praising the quality of players at Naturena, Sirino admitted that Amakhosi struggle to cope with injuries.

“I think here [at Chiefs], there’s no… [depth],” Sirino told Sowetan Live. “At Sundowns, there are too many players — all good players. Here, one injury and another player is also injured and the team is short. Sometimes Inacio Miguel or somebody else is injured, sometimes Bradley Cross — who’s primarily a left-back — is playing centre-back because of injuries to natural centre-backs. At Sundowns, you won’t see that.”

His comments come as Chiefs continue to deal with a long list of absentees. Defenders Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango remain on the sidelines, while Bradley Cross is suspended for the final.

Trophy or Bust for Amakhosi

The Nedbank Cup final has now become a defining moment in Kaizer Chiefs’ season. For a club of their stature, going another year without silverware is unthinkable. This match is being viewed as a “life or death” assignment by both the players and supporters alike.

Victory would not only appease their loyal fan base but also serve as a platform for the new era under coach Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian tactician has made it clear that his priority moving forward will be to rebuild the squad with quality signings and create the depth needed for sustained success — especially with CAF football likely on the horizon.

The pressure is immense, the expectations even greater. Chiefs may be walking wounded, but their hunger to lift the Nedbank Cup could power them through adversity. Against a strong and confident Orlando Pirates side, they will need grit, unity, and perhaps a spark of magic to emerge victorious.

For Amakhosi, this is more than just a cup final — it’s a chance to end years of frustration and signal the start of a long-awaited revival.