Kaizer Chiefs fans will be encouraged to learn that their team has historically dominated the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates when played at Moses Mabhida Stadium, a promising statistic ahead of the Nedbank Cup final.

Chiefs secured their spot in the Nedbank Cup final after a comeback 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.

Pirates, the competition’s winners for the past two seasons, narrowly defeated Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium in the earlier semi-final. This sets up a highly anticipated clash between the two Soweto giants for the Nedbank Cup trophy in Durban on 10 May, a match expected to sell out.  

While Pirates have enjoyed trophy success under outgoing coach Jose Riveiro, including three MTN8 titles won at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Chiefs have held the upper hand in this derby when played in Durban.

The first meeting between these sides at Moses Mabhida Stadium occurred in the 2009/10 Telkom Knockout semi-final on 5 April 2010. This match served as a test event for the stadium two months before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Chiefs, then coached by Vladimir Vermezovic, won 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw. Amakhosi went on to win the trophy, defeating Cape Town Spurs 2-0 at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, with goals from Knowledge Musona and Mandla Masango.

Their next encounter at the venue was in the 2014/15 MTN8 final. Chiefs emerged victorious again, thanks to George Maluleka’s free-kick, which exploited Pirates’ defensive disorganization, allowing Tefu Mashamaite to score past the late Senzo Meyiwa.

Pirates were then coached by Vermezovic, who was visibly upset at the post-match press conference. This marked Chiefs’ last domestic cup victory under Stuart Baxter.

Another meeting occurred in the 2018/19 Telkom Knockout semi-final on 24 November 2018 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Pirates, having lost their previous two encounters there to Chiefs, won 2-1 with goals from Thembinkosi Lorch and the late Justice Shonga.

However, Pirates lost the final to Baroka on penalties at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The two sides also delivered a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time in the 2019/20 Telkom Knockout quarter-final on 2 November 2019, at the same venue. Leonardo Castro and Daniel Cardoso scored for Chiefs, while Fortune Makaringe and Gabadinho Mhango netted for Pirates.

Chiefs, coached by Ernst Middendorp, who had an unbeaten Soweto Derby record in his two stints with the club, won 4-2 on penalties.

However, Chiefs subsequently lost to Maritzburg United in the semi-final, who in turn lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, also played at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Pirates and Chiefs have not met at the iconic Durban venue since then.

Adding to the optimism for Amakhosi fans, Chiefs also defeated Pirates in their last Nedbank Cup meeting in 2006, then known as the Absa Cup, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Despite Pirates, under stand-in coach Teboho Moloi, starting strongly with Joseph Makhanya and Siyabonga Nomvethe hitting the post, Chiefs persevered and won the trophy on penalties.

This victory occurred during Middendorp’s first stint with Chiefs.