Chiefs vs Pirates: Soweto Derby Confirmed for Blockbuster FA Cup Final

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have sealed their places in the South African FA Cup final after dramatic semi-final victories on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated Soweto derby at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.

Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants in Soweto thanks to Kabelo Dlamini’s well-taken first-half strike, while Kaizer Chiefs staged a thrilling comeback to beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in Pretoria, with Ashley du Preez netting the winner in the dying minutes.

Taking Soweto to the coast. The #NedbankCup final will be in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium! pic.twitter.com/mEgmeczsGn

— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) April 13, 2025

Dlamini, Du Preez deliver when it matters

For both Dlamini and Du Preez, the goals marked their first in this season’s FA Cup. Dlamini capped a slick four-pass move in the 22nd minute to slot past Washington Arubi, helping the defending champions reach another final.

“Supporters hardly notice him, but he does tremendous work in midfield. That’s why I call him the ‘invisible man’,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, who is now eyeing a third consecutive FA Cup title.

Later in the day, Teboho Mokoena gave Sundowns the lead with a superb free-kick in first-half stoppage time. But Chiefs hit back through Wandile Duba, who capitalised on a poor pass from Lucas Suarez to level the score just before the hour mark. Then, in the 89th minute, Du Preez tapped home from close range to complete the turnaround.

A final with history and high stakes

The final promises to be a spectacle, reigniting a classic rivalry between South Africa’s most popular clubs. Chiefs last defeated Pirates in an FA Cup final 19 years ago, also in Durban—and they’ll be hoping to repeat history in front of a packed 60,000-seater stadium.

For Chiefs, the win is a breakthrough. It keeps their hopes alive of ending a nine-year trophy drought and secures qualification for the 2025–2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

“I knew Sundowns would tire after their trip to Tunisia. We owed this win to our fans—they’ve suffered enough,” said coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Despite their CAF Champions League semi-final run, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admitted the loss was self-inflicted. “We made a mistake that changed the game. We win as a team and we lose as a team.”

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:African Insider

Picture: BackPage 6