Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has declared his ambition to guide the Soweto giants back to their glory days before eventually moving on from the club.

Nabi ended Chiefs’ long-standing trophy drought as Amakhosi defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Yusuf Maart, a product of the Pirates development academy, scored the winning goal in the 80th minute with a left-footed shot that beat Sipho Chaine at the near post, securing Chiefs’ first Nedbank Cup title since 2013.

Chiefs have now defeated Pirates in their last three cup finals held in Durban, with the most recent prior to this being the MTN8 final in 2014, their last knockout competition victory, also at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“This is a very important trophy for the club, the management, and the entire team staff,” Nabi said at the post-match press conference.

“But first and foremost, for the fans and the entire management of the club. This was my first objective upon arriving at Kaizer Chiefs, and this is just the beginning. I want to take the club back to its natural position at the top, and this is my first step. After achieving that, I will go home.”

Chiefs displayed impressive form throughout their Nedbank Cup campaign. They began their journey with victories over minnows Free Agents, Chippa United, and Stellenbosch.

In the semi-final, mirroring the final where they were considered underdogs against Mamelodi Sundowns, they defied expectations with a last-minute winner. Ashley du Preez scored in the 89th minute, securing a 2-1 victory.

“I’m happy for this trophy today [on Saturday] because it will continue with my process and help me to get more confidence from the fans,” continued Nabi. 

“And all the members of my staff, I’m very for that honesty.”

During a joint press conference on Wednesday, Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze, who also serves as Nabi’s translator, likened their wait for a trophy to a woman awaiting the delivery of her baby after a nine-month pregnancy.

At the post-match press conference, with the Nedbank Cup medal around his neck, Kaze was asked about this analogy and added, “It is a very nice and big baby today.”

Chiefs will now focus on securing a top-eight finish in the league. They currently sit ninth in the table with 30 points after 26 matches, with two remaining fixtures against Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City before the season concludes.