Kaizer Chiefs are on high alert as three key players, Inacio Miguel, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Tashreeq Morris, face the threat of missing the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates next weekend. 

Each of these players has accumulated three yellow cards, and one more booking in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium [15:00] against Pirates would render them ineligible for the final due to suspension.

This disciplinary dilemma unfolds as Chiefs prepare to face their arch-rivals without Wandile Duba, who recently received his fourth yellow card in the match against Marumo Gallants. 

Fortunately for Amakhosi, Duba’s suspension is limited to the upcoming match, and he’ll be eligible to play in the final.

On a brighter note, Chiefs will welcome back two key forwards, Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi, who served their suspensions after accumulating their fourth yellow cards against Chippa United. Their return could prove instrumental in the showdown.

The stakes are high, and coach Nassredine Nabi will need to balance his team’s competitive spirit with caution. One misstep could prove costly, and Amakhosi will be keenly aware of the consequences of another booking.

Meanwhile, Pirates will be without their vice-captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi, for Saturday’s match and the upcoming game against Golden Arrows after being sent off in the match against Sekhukhune United. 

However, Sibisi’s suspension will end before the final, and he’ll be available to provide crucial leadership.

Pirates also have four players – Tapelo Xoki, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng – with three yellow cards each, putting them at risk of missing the final. 

Should any of them receive a fourth yellow card in the Soweto Derby, they’ll escape suspension for the final. However, if they accumulate bookings in the match against Golden Arrows, their final hopes will be dashed.

As both teams prepare for the Soweto Derby, the stakes are higher than ever. The Nedbank Cup final promises to be an electrifying encounter, with the winner claiming a coveted trophy. 

Will Chiefs or Pirates emerge victorious? The answer lies in the hands of these players and their ability to navigate the fine line between passion and caution. 

One thing is certain – the team that handles the pressure and avoids unnecessary bookings will have a significant advantage next weekend at Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

The drama unfolding off the pitch could ultimately decide the fate of this highly anticipated final.