Kaizer Chiefs left everything on the pitch for almost the entire 90 minutes of their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday night.
As the match edged toward its conclusion locked at 1-1, most fans inside the packed stadium had the same thought — Sundowns, the relentless juggernaut of South African football, would surely find a way to snatch victory, whether in stoppage time or via the penalty shootout.
The Sundowns Machine vs. Kaizer Chiefs’ Fighting Spirit
After all, that’s what the Brazilians do. They are the standard-bearers of consistency, serial winners closing in on another CAF Champions League final, where they’re set to host Egyptian giants Al Ahly this coming Saturday.
But football isn’t scripted.
Despite enduring nearly a decade of heartbreak and becoming a social media punchline for their extended trophy drought — stretching all the way back to the 2014-15 PSL title under Stuart Baxter — the Amakhosi found a way to rewrite the narrative.
The Controversial Decider: Du Preez’s Goal
Ashley Du Preez’s late strike in the 89th minute sent the Chiefs faithful into euphoria. The goal, however, was shrouded in controversy. Replays confirmed what Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso and thousands of supporters immediately suspected: Du Preez was marginally offside when he latched onto George Matlou’s cross and slotted past Ronwen Williams.
In a world with VAR, the goal almost certainly would’ve been chalked off. But on the day, the flag stayed down, the whistle stayed silent, and Chiefs marched on to set up a mouth-watering Soweto Derby final against Orlando Pirates on May 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Relief for Nabi Amid a Turbulent Season
Regardless of the debate, few could argue that the victory wasn’t deserved for sheer determination alone. For under-pressure coach Nasreddine Nabi, it was a much-needed reprieve from a season that’s tested his patience and resolve.
Taking to Instagram, Nabi praised his players’ character, grit, and the sacrifices many made, including playing through injuries, to deliver a result against what he rightly called “one of Africa’s best teams.”
A Win That Benefits More Than Just Chiefs
Beyond the offside debate, Chiefs’ win carries a deeper meaning for South African football. While Sundowns’ dominance has elevated the local game on the continental stage, the domestic scene has suffered from predictability. Seven consecutive league titles have all but turned the PSL into a one-horse race. Cup competitions have at least offered some variety, but the Amakhosi’s return to the big stage is a reminder that the balance of power doesn’t have to be permanent.
Restoring Rivalry and Reigniting Hope
For Chiefs supporters, the win was more than just a spot in the final — it was about regaining pride, proving the doubters wrong, and glimpsing the end of a painful era. Even critics mocking the celebrations can understand the emotion behind them, given the club’s struggles over the past ten years.
In the bigger picture, South African football needs a strong Kaizer Chiefs. Rivalries are only thrilling when both sides are competitive, and the Soweto Derby’s return to cup final status promises an electric occasion. Whether the Chiefs lift the Nedbank Cup or not, their triumph over Sundowns is a timely reminder that giants can wake up — and for the good of the game, it’s about time they did.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Edge Sundowns in Thriller, One Step from Ending Trophy Drought
