Kaizer Chiefs have essentially secured qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

This comes as a result of their 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.

While there are still a few league matches remaining, Orlando Pirates, who beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 early on Sunday, appear likely to finish either first or second in the Betway Premiership alongside table-topping Sundowns.

Pirates, currently second in the league, will face Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

If Pirates finish second in the league at the end of the season, Chiefs will automatically qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

This means that even if Chiefs lose to Pirates in the cup final, their Confederation Cup spot is secured, as Pirates will have qualified for the CAF Champions League.

Therefore, Chiefs’ final league position this season is now irrelevant, as reaching the cup final has provided them with an alternative route to continental competition.

The CAF Confederation Cup spots are awarded to the Nedbank Cup winners and the third-placed team in the league. The CAF Champions League spots are reserved for the first and second-placed teams.