Kaizer Chiefs’ Shabalala Vows To Make Supporters Happy In Nedbank Cup Semi-Final Against Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs’ promising forward, Mduduzi Shabalala, has revealed that Amakhosi are determined to please their loyal supporters in the upcoming Nedbank Cup semi-final match against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
The match will take place at FNB Stadium, with the organizers announcing that it is already sold out. Although Chiefs go into this fixture as underdogs due to their unsteady form, having lost two of their last three league games, they have emerged victorious in the last five Derbies against Pirates. Shabalala is keen to extend this winning streak.
“We have to win and make our supporters happy,” said Shabalala, who played in the last Derby in February where Chiefs claimed a 1-0 win. “It is crucial for us to reach the final as Kaizer Chiefs has not reached it in a long time. It will be a fantastic achievement, particularly for me since this is my first season with the club. Winning it will be an even bigger accomplishment, which is what we aim to do. But it all starts on Saturday.”
Kaizer Chiefs’ Shabalala Vows To Make Supporters HappyWhile Shabalala is focused on continuing Chiefs’ dominance over Pirates, it is worth noting that Pirates have had the upper hand in the last two knockout semi-finals between the two sides. Pirates defeated Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout semi-final in the 2018/19 season, followed by another impressive win over Chiefs in the MTN8 semi-finals in the 2020/21 season.
The Buccaneers also claimed a 2-0 victory over Chiefs in the first round of the Ke Yona Cup in the 2015/16 season.
However, Chiefs will take inspiration from their last major knockout win, which was against Pirates in the MTN8 final in 2014. Chiefs’ last Nedbank Cup trophy was in the 2012/13 season when they defeated SuperSport United. The following season, Pirates claimed the trophy after defeating Gavin Hunt’s Bidvest Wits. Neither side has lifted the Nedbank Cup since.
The Nedbank Cup is a prestigious South African football tournament, with both teams eager to claim the trophy. The stage is set for an intense match, with both sides expected to give their all. The fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter, with the outcome uncertain until the final whistle.