There is a double Nedbank Cup semifinal clash of the titans in the Premier Soccer League of South Africa today, Sunday April 13, 2025. To kickstart the great Sunday with Orlando Pirates Football Club (FC) against Sekhukhune United FC and later, Kaizer Chiefs travel to Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

Sunday | April 13, 2025

Sundays have never been this magnanimous in the great scheme of domestic cup football in this country.

Today in Pretoria, Kaizer Chiefs take on the all-firing Mamelodi Sundowns in the second semifinal of the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 18h00.

Meanwhile in Soweto, Marumo Gallants FC will brave the fiery Orlando Pirates FC warriors in the first semifinal at 15h00.

As the host of this tie and topping the league, Sundowns are head and shoulders above Chiefs in view of the entire performance this 2024/2025 campaign. Chiefs have to dig deep to upset the apple cut this evening.

Although Chiefs have not performed well this season against Sundowns, Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi highlighted during a media briefing on Thursday, April 10, that “the level between the two games was near” and in this instance it’s anybody’s game.

Amakhosi [Chiefs] have been a shadow of themselves compared with decades ago. They have not won a single cup in ages and today’s duel is a rather rare chance to redeem themselves to their former glory.

On the other hand, the Brazilians’ [Sundowns] scintillating spectacle continues to reign local football season after season. In the run up to this game, they booked their place in the semifinals of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League midweek.

Thus, Chiefs will be meeting a well-oiled team which is hard to overcome. It is not unfathomable that Sundowns could be beaten. They can be. Although they have lost a few matches this season compared to their opponents, things can turn against them in a cup match.

In addition, Miguel Cardoso, the Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, said despite the hectic schedule of games the club faces, they need to take their opponents seriously and do well in Thursday’s pre-match interview.

This tight match itinerary the team is enduring at this juncture is a weakness Chiefs can attempt to exploit and overcome Sundowns. Even so, Cardoso reiterated that his players need to be urged to the “highest level of motivation”.

There is a gap that Amakhosi can benefit from should they capitalise. As far as this cup is concerned, in the end, the onus is on the travellers to prove beyond doubt that Sundowns are not indomitable. But to do that, they need to pull out all stops and be at their best the entire game.

So, Chiefs come in this fixture as underdogs which is not in and of itself a bad thing. The expectations are already low. Even though pressure will always be there, the players will feel a bit lighter on their shoulders. Coach Nabi emphasized that there is no pressure and whatever the outcome they will continue to work hard.

However, spectators and supporters of the club expect nothing else than a victory for their fallen heroes. This evening is yet another opportunity to dust themselves up and come up trumps against all odds.

To this, Nabi hinted at the slump of Kaizer Chiefs in the past three games against lowly rated teams and he is working on improving the overall performance of the club.

Be that as it may, the Brazilians are in their element and they see nothing more than chasing a treble this time round. They will bring their sharpshooter arsenal to the park and deliver the lethal blow they have become known for and accustomed to.

One thing is certain though for tonight, the battle lines are drawn. The 2025 Nedbank Cup finalists will be known by the end of today.

Gallants face defending champions Pirates

Scheduled to kickoff at 15h00, Orlando Pirates FC will welcome Marumo Gallants FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto in their quest for a berth in the ultimate Nedbank Cup final.

Pirates are the reigning champions and a team in form currently. To them, Gallants, do not seem much of a threat on face value.

However, much like a now or never encounter, today’s fixture is a cup semifinal game which can go either way.

Even so, Gallants face a sterner challenge in prospect give the performance of their opponents this season. Moreover, Pirates also qualified for the CAF Champions League semi final due next weekend.

Therefore, they have been doing well and are the undisputed favourite team into this afternoon’s clash with Gallants.

To boost their destiny, Pirates are the defending champions of this trophy after winning it under the same coach, José Riveiro, in 2024.

Whichever team overcomes and wins the battle this afternoon, it is not over yet. They will face the winner between Sundowns and Chiefs.