Fish: Final just another game for Pirates; massive clash for Chiefs

The echoes of last weekend's Soweto Derby thriller haven't even faded, and already the Soweto giants are set to collide again. But this time, the stakes are sky-high.

Forget league points; this Saturday, it's all about the gleaming silverware of the Nedbank Cup final as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates go head to head.

After their recent Betway Premiership triumph, Orlando Pirates swagger into this derby as the perceived frontrunners.

But make no mistake, Kaizer Chiefs are a wounded pride, fiercely determined to seize victory and salvage their season. They're hungry to finally conquer their bitter rivals, a feat that has eluded them in recent clashes.

Ahead of the monumental cup final showdown at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday, Showmax sat down with Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish as well as Kaizer Chiefs defensive legend David Kannemeyer to dissect the impending battle.

Catch the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 10 May, at 15:30.

The upcoming Nedbank Cup Final between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs carries drastically different weight for the two Soweto giants, according to former Buccaneers legend Mark Fish.

For Pirates, riding a wave of recent success, this weekend's clash will be viewed as "just another game," while for a trophy-starved Kaizer Chiefs, it represents a monumental occasion.

“It’s a cup final, so obviously it’s a big game for both teams," Fish says. "However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it’s just another game."

He underscored Pirates' consistent high-level performance, citing their consecutive Nedbank Cup wins and CAF Champions League semi-final appearance.

In stark contrast, Fish highlighted the immense pressure on Kaizer Chiefs to deliver silverware after a significant drought, emphasising the understanding within the club of the game's magnitude. "Obviously the new coach has been there for a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It’s a massive occasion," he says.

Despite acknowledging the pressure on Pirates as favourites, Fish confidently predicts a victory for his former side. "It’s not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final."

Fish says he will be watching the final from afar, anticipating more silverware for the Buccaneers.

Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer believes Pirates carries the psychological edge going into this high-stakes encounter.

"Looking at the current momentum, there's no doubt that Orlando Pirates are in a rich vein of form," says Kannemeyer.

"They've been delivering consistent performances and securing crucial victories, which naturally builds confidence within the squad. This positive run will undoubtedly have them feeling prepared and highly motivated for this Nedbank Cup final.”

“They'll be coming into this clash with a real sense of purpose, knowing they have the recent track record to back up their ambition. So yes, I firmly believe Pirates will be up for this encounter; their recent form makes them a formidable opponent heading into Saturday."

But the weight of expectation rests heavily on the shoulders of the Amakhosi, says Kannemeyer.

"Absolutely, the pressure on Kaizer Chiefs will be immense, and rightly so. Their passionate and massive fanbase has high expectations, especially when it comes to silverware and, more importantly, bragging rights against their arch-rivals.

“The supporters have been vocal about their desire for success, and this Nedbank Cup represents a significant opportunity to deliver that.”

Beyond the tactical nuances, Kannemeyer believes the final will be decided by sheer will.

"Without a doubt, I anticipate a truly captivating and exciting Nedbank Cup Final," he says. "Derbies are always unpredictable, and with a trophy on the line, the intensity will be amplified. Ultimately, I believe the deciding factor in this contest will be the sheer desire and hunger of one of the teams. The side that demonstrates the most unwavering commitment, the greater will to win every tackle, every aerial duel, and every fifty-fifty ball, will be the one that emerges victorious. It will come down to who displays the most grit and determination on the day."

Reflecting on the contrasting fortunes of the two giants this season, Kannemeyer offers a candid assessment.

"Assessing both teams' seasons leading up to this final, it's fair to say that Kaizer Chiefs have struggled with consistency. Their performances have been somewhat erratic, with moments of brilliance interspersed with disappointing results.

“On the other hand, as we've already touched on, Orlando Pirates have found a good rhythm and are enjoying a period of positive form. This contrast in their recent trajectories could play a significant psychological role in the final. Chiefs will need to find a way to overcome their inconsistencies and tap into their potential for the full ninety minutes, while Pirates will look to capitalise on their current momentum."

For Kannemeyer, the memories of stepping onto the derby battlefield remain vivid.

"Having had the privilege of participating in numerous Soweto Derbies during my playing career, I can attest first-hand to the truly electrifying atmosphere that surrounds these encounters," he reminisces. "The energy in the stadium is palpable, the passion from the supporters is immense, and you can feel the weight of history and rivalry in the air.“Beyond just the three points in a league game, these matches carry so much more significance – the bragging rights, the pride of the supporters, and the desire to etch your name in derby folklore. There's always a tremendous amount at stake, making every tackle, every pass, and every shot feel amplified."

In such a cauldron of intensity, “mental fortitude is paramount,” Kannemeyer emphasises.
"In a high-stakes derby such as the Nedbank Cup Final, maintaining unwavering focus and exhibiting exceptional discipline are non-negotiable. Any lapse in concentration, any rash challenge, or any tactical indiscipline can be severely punished. Players need to be mentally sharp for the entire duration of the match, adhering strictly to their game plan and remaining composed under pressure.”

So, what must Chiefs do to conquer their rivals and lift the coveted trophy? Kannemeyer's answer is simple.

"In its simplest form, the recipe for victory in any football match, and especially in a final, boils down to two key aspects: scoring goals and defending effectively. For Kaizer Chiefs to lift the Nedbank Cup, they will need to be clinical in front of goal, converting their chances. Simultaneously, their defence will need to be rock solid, limiting Orlando Pirates' attacking threats and preventing them from finding the back of the net.”

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