How Kaizer Chiefs exposed Orlando Pirates’ major weakness

Kaizer Chiefs ended their 10-year trophy drought by defeating Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final. But how did they achieve this victory?

The Buccaneers seemed poised to win multiple trophies, yet a series of poor results cost them both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League. The Nedbank Cup appeared to be their only hope of achieving a double, having already won the MTN8 in October of the previous year.

Despite a strong finish to the first half against Chiefs, Orlando Pirates conceded a late goal, marking their first final loss under coach José Riveiro.

So, how did Kaizer Chiefs manage to expose Orlando Pirates’ weaknesses?

The two teams clashed three times during the previous season, with the Buccaneers winning both league matches. They secured a 1-0 victory in the first round and controlled the reverse fixture, although a lack of finishing allowed the score to end at 2-1 in favour of Amakhosi.

Leading up to the Nedbank Cup final, the Sea Robbers were favourites, given their strong performance in prior matches. However, Kaizer Chiefs‘ impressive cup run meant they could not be underestimated. An early goal for Amakhosi ignited the final, but Pirates quickly equalised.

As the match progressed, Orlando Pirates appeared to be in control, pushing for a lead in the late stages of the first half. However, Chiefs managed to hold on until halftime. Despite dominating possession early in the second half, the Buccaneers struggled to penetrate Kaizer Chiefs’ defence, and their energy seemed to wane.

The turning point came around the 70th minute when coach Nasreddine Nabi substituted Gaston Sirino and Wandile Duba, both of whom had been ineffective throughout the match. By that point, both teams appeared fatigued, and the match seemed destined for extra time.

How Pirates were punished

Amakhosi brought in Ashley Du Preez and Mduduzi Shabalala, who injected new energy into the team. For the first time in the match, Pirates seemed off balance. Their midfield and defence were stretched, and momentum began to shift in favour of the Glamour Boys

Despite maintaining pressure on Bucs, poor finishing and decision-making plagued Kaizer Chiefs. Rather than absorbing the pressure, the Buccaneers attempted to build from the back, but tired players kept losing possession.

In the 78th minute, Chiefs launched another attack. Just when it seemed that Shabalala had wasted the opportunity by passing to Du Preez, the former Stellenbosch striker played the ball back to Yusuf Maart. The former captain unleashed a first-time volley, regaining the lead for Amakhosi.

In the final ten minutes, the Sea Robbers were unable to recover from the shock of the goal, watching in horror as the situation unfolded.

What did we learn from the last match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates?

First, it highlighted that without Makhehlene Makhaula (who was substituted in the 70th minute), Pirates lack a protective shield for their defence.

It also revealed how their defence can be stretched under pressure. When the Buccaneers defend as a cohesive unit, they cover each other’s weaknesses well; however, when faced with speedy wingers and strikers, they often find themselves at a disadvantage and struggle in one-on-one defensive situations.