Weekend Sports Review - A Statistical Breakdown of the Weekend's Competitive Events
Fiery Showdown in Nedbank Cup Semis
Orlando Pirates, Marumo Gallants, and Kaizer Chiefs have kicked their way into the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup, pulling off close victories in a weekend of pulsating action. The Bucs and Gallants went all the way to penalties against SuperSport and Durban City respectively, while Chiefs needed a (very) late strike to edge out Stellenbosch in a controversial turn of events. Let's dive into the winners, losers, and highlights of the clash.
Chiefs' Unyielding Grit
Firstly, props to Kaizer Chiefs for holding their nerve under intense pressure when it looked as though they were losing momentum late in the game against Stellenbosch. Secondly, they ooh-la-la'ed their way past the toughest opponent they could have probable drawn at this stage (apart from Sundowns and Pirates).
4 - History in the making, as this was the 4th meeting between Chiefs and Stellenbosch in Cup competitions, with Chiefs still unbeaten against Stellenbosch.
Tunisian Whizkid Strikes Again
Kaizer Chiefs' league form might be inconsistent under the Tunisian coach, but their Cup performances tell a different story. In the Cup, their process and outcomes seems to be on the same page, and the deep run has converted plenty of doubters still uncertain about their leader.
10 - The Chiefs have netted a whopping 10 goals in the Nedbank Cup alone, the last time they scored more was in the 1999/2000 season.
Pivotal Players Push the Chiefs Forward
Two players have been crucial in leading Chiefs to the semi-finals – Pule Mmodi and Ignacio Miguel, both bagging a goal in each round of the competition. Miguel set the tone early with a cool penalty, while Mmodi's alertness snatched a late winner.
1989 - Mmodi and Miguel are the first Chiefs players since Marks Maponyane to score in the first three rounds of the competition, a feat they achieved way back in 1989.
Steelhearted Pirates Stumble Through
Yes, it wasn't their best performance, but Orlando Pirates eked out a narrow victory against SuperSport, taking them one step closer to a record-breaking third consecutive final appearance in the Nedbank Cup. Given their upcoming CAF quarter-final, this penalty shootout would have given them much-needed practice under the crosshairs.
15 - Pirates remain unbeaten in 15 Nedbank Cup games (W12 D3), tying their longest unbeaten run with the competition between 1996 and 2000 (W10 D5).
Riveiro Steers Pirates Tight Ship
Spain's golden tactician Jose Riveiro echoed at full-time, "A victory in a knockout game is one of the possibilities... you have to go to the penalties and do your best. We did a good job in that space. I am happy to be in the semifinals...". Riveiro has never lost a Cup game in the competition, with an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 draws in his 13 games.
Marumo Gallants: The Resilient Underdogs
In 2022, they reached the final of the Nedbank Cup, only to lose to Sundowns. In 2023, they were runners-up in the CAF Confederation Cup. In 2024, they bowed out in the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals, losing to Sundowns. In 2025, it's the Nedbank Cup once again. Underestimate them at your peril.
The Inconsistent Officiating
While the crazy controversy surrounding Chiefs' 91st-minute goal against Stellenbosch might grab all the attention, let's cast a critical eye on the overall officiating performance. When referees make too many mistakes in quick succession, it raises uncomfortable questions about their ability to get the big calls right under pressure.
The Strained Schedules
What should have been a day filled with unforgettable drama came to a grinding halt when the Sundowns-Sekhukhune game was cancelled. Instead of celebrating a pulsating day of football, we’ll remember March 8, 2025, as the day the PSL and SAFA double-booked a stadium.
- Kaizer Chiefs' dominance in football extends to the Nedbank Cup, as they are yet to lose against Stellenbosch in the competition.
- The Tunisian coach's impact on Kaizer Chiefs is evident in their impressive Cup performances, with the team netting an impressive 10 goals in the tournament alone.
- Pule Mmodi and Ignacio Miguel have been instrumental in Kaizer Chiefs' advancement to the semi-finals, with both players scoring in each round of the competition.
- Orlando Pirates may not have displayed their best form, but they have continued their unbeaten streak in the Nedbank Cup, tying their longest unbeaten run with the competition between 1996 and 2000.
- Marumo Gallants, despite their history of reaching finals and semi-finals in various tournaments, should not be underestimated in the Nedbank Cup, especially given their tenacious spirit and resilience.
