Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune observed that many did not expect Nasreddine Nabi’s team to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns due to their inconsistent form.

Chiefs secured a 2-1 victory against Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, earning them a spot in the final against their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates, at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10th.

Despite having lost three of their four encounters against Sundowns this season, the Glamour Boys managed to eliminate them in a match where Amakhosi displayed significant resilience.

The former Bafana Bafana shot-stopper stated that many people doubted Chiefs’ ability to progress past Sundowns, citing their inconsistent performances throughout the season.

“I managed to see a great match, great atmosphere all-round, and they gave the country what they deserve, which is quality football on the pitch, and the best team won, but no one gave Kaizer Chiefs a chance because they’ve been so inconsistent throughout the season, and I understand why; new coach trying different combinations, trying different players on the field, yet Sundowns they’re a well-established team that is competing in the continental football,” said Khune during Nedbank semifinals campaign.

The Chiefs legend, who last lifted this cup with the Glamour Boys in 2013, expressed his excitement about the upcoming Soweto derby final, acknowledging it as the match everyone anticipated and voicing his belief in a Chiefs victory.

“I think that is what everyone was anticipating, and that is what everyone was crossing his or her fingers for,” said Khune. 

“And we all wanted the derby to be played, but obviously, for the teams that qualified for the semis, they all deserved to be in the final, but it can only be two teams competing for the trophy.

“But we saw great football this past weekend from all four teams, but only the two teams will qualify for the final, and it’s a derby, and I don’t think in the history books of Nedbank it has ever happened that you have a derby in the final, but it’s exciting times for South African football, South African history, and it’s all about brains.

“It’s going to be an interesting derby; it’s going to be an interesting Nedbank Cup final, and I can already see Kaizer Chiefs lifting it.”

The last time Chiefs and Pirates clashed in a cup final was during the 2014/15 season, where Amakhosi triumphed 1-0 at the same venue in Durban. Khune was absent from that match due to injury.

Meanwhile, the Soweto-based club is preparing to face Chippa United in the Betway Premiership at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday.

Article by Kamogelo Ndlovu