Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: A history of Soweto Derby clashes in the Nedbank Cup

This encounter marks the twelfth time the two giants of South African football have met in a final of this competition, with three of those previous finals requiring a replay to determine the winner.

While the Buccaneers have had the upper hand over the Glamour Boys in recent years—most recently claiming their fifth win over Chiefs in the last few seasons with a Betway Premiership victory on 3 May—Chiefs have historically held the edge in this particular tournament. In the Nedbank Cup, it is Amakhosi who have often come out on top when these rivals meet at the final hurdle.

Although the Soweto Derby has featured 21 times across all stages of the tournament, there have been nine direct final showdowns between Chiefs and Pirates, a rivalry rich in drama and legacy.

Below is a look back at every Nedbank Cup (and its predecessor tournaments) final between the two sides, dating back to 1971, when it was known as the Life Challenge Cup.

1971 – Life Challenge Cup Final

11 December, Orlando
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 – Own Goal (Michael Yende), Pule Ntsoelengoe (pen)
Orlando Pirates (1) 2 – Gabriel Khoza, Johnny Kekana
After extra time

Replay – 18 December, Orlando

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 – Alfred Chamane
Kaizer Chiefs (2) 2 – Petros Nzimande, Michael Dlamini

1975 – Life Challenge Cup Final

18 October, Orlando
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 – Pule Ntsoelengoe
Orlando Pirates (1) 2 – Jacob Motaung, Webster Lichaba
After extra time

1976 – Benson & Hedges Cup Final

31 October, Umlazi
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 – Pule Ntsoelengoe
Orlando Pirates (0) 0

1977 – Benson & Hedges Cup Final

8 October, Orlando
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 – Ebison Mugoyo
Orlando Pirates (0) 0

1981 – Mainstay Cup Final

28 November, Orlando
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 – Nelson Dladla
Orlando Pirates (0) 1 – Jerry Sadike
After extra time

Replay – 5 December, Orlando

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 – Jomo Sono
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 – Jan Lechaba, Pule Ntsoelengoe, Leonard Likoebe

1984 – Mainstay Cup Final

24 November, Ellis Park
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 – Nelson Dladla (pen)
Orlando Pirates (0) 0

1988 – BoB Save Super Bowl Final

26 November, Ellis Park
Kaizer Chiefs 0
Orlando Pirates 0
After extra time

Replay – 3 December, Ellis Park

Orlando Pirates (1) 2 – Basil Steenkamp, Lawrence Maake
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 – Mike Mangena
After extra time

2005/06 – Absa Cup Final

20 May, 2006, Kings Park
Orlando Pirates 0
Kaizer Chiefs 0
After extra time – Chiefs win 5–3 on penalties

Nedbank Cup titles

Chiefs – 13

Pirates – 10

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