DURBAN — The Nedbank Cup semifinals are set after a weekend of drama, controversy, and penalty shootout heartbreak, with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs surviving stern tests to advance, while Marumo Gallants stunned Durban City FC in a grueling quarterfinal decider.
Semifinal draw confirms blockbuster fixtures
The semifinal pairings, revealed after Sunday’s quarterfinal between Durban City and Marumo Gallants, pit defending champions Orlando Pirates against Gallants at Orlando Stadium, while Kaizer Chiefs will face the winner of the postponed Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United clash. The latter fixture was delayed due to venue unavailability, leaving Chiefs’ opponents undecided until the rescheduled match.
Pirates survive SuperSport scare in penalty thriller
Orlando Pirates’ bid for a historic third consecutive Nedbank Cup title nearly unraveled on Saturday as they edged SuperSport United 5-4 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Polokwane. The Buccaneers, who last lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024, twice squandered leads in regulation and extra time before goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s shootout heroics sealed their semifinal berth.
“Pirates are looking to win the Nedbank Cup for the third successive season,” read the match report, underscoring their dominance in the competition. However, defensive lapses against SuperSport raised questions about their ability to withstand Gallants’ semifinal challenge.
Chiefs’ controversial win sparks outrage
Kaizer Chiefs booked their semifinal spot with a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in Gqeberha, but their second goal—a contentious strike by Pule Mmodi—drew fierce criticism.
Mmodi appeared to foul goalkeeper Sage Stephens before scoring, yet referee Sikhumbuzo Gaza upheld the goal.
“PULE MMODI’S CONTROVERSIAL GOAL EARN CHIEFS A SPOT IN THE SEMIFINAL,” declared the match report, encapsulating the fury from Stellenbosch’s camp.
Coach Steve Barker labeled the decision “a clear foul,” while Chiefs’ late third goal from Mfundo Vilakazi did little to quell debates over the legitimacy of their progression.
Gallants edge Durban City in penalty marathon
Marumo Gallants, the tournament’s surprise package, advanced to the semifinals after a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over second-tier Durban City FC following a 120-minute stalemate. The match, played in sweltering Durban heat, saw Durban rue missed early chances, including two gilt-edged opportunities for Zimbabwean forward Zindonga.
“This frustration would’ve lent more on the side of a failure to convert the two chances his side were able to conjure up,” admitted Durban City coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose tactical substitutions in the second half injected urgency but no breakthrough. Gallants’ composure in the shootout, contrasted with Durban’s wayward penalties, sealed their place in the last four.
Road to the semi-finals
- Pirates’ Treble Quest: The Sea Robbers aim to become the first team since SuperSport United (2016–2018) to win three consecutive Nedbank Cups.
- Chiefs’ Trophy Drought: Amakhosi, without silverware since 2015, face a potential showdown with rivals Sundowns—a team they’ve struggled against in recent years.
- Gallants’ Resurgence: Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, semifinalists in 2022, now seek to replicate their fairytale run under coach Simo Dladla.
*Stay updated eith the live match coverage by following the PSL’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform. For detailed results and updates from the Nedbank Cup 2025, visit psl.co.za.
