The Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is going to be quite the affair. No matter what else happens in the league, its set to be the biggest match in the South African football season in terms of the occasion and participants.
Chiefs season, which looked to be dying a slow death, has suddenly been resurrected following their remarkable semi-final win over Mamelodi Sundowns. Suddenly there is silverware to play for, while a place in the CAF Confederation Cup is more than just a pipe dream.
For all Sundowns dominance and star quality, a Soweto derby on May 10 at Durbans Moses Mabhida Stadium is the sponsors, broadcasters and the fans dream final. It just doesnt get any bigger than that.
Its going to be much bigger than their dress rehearsal the weekend before final, as the team play each other in a league match where they only things at stake will be bragging rights and a psychological advantage heading into the showpiece match.
Essentially, Chiefs are just playing to try and secure a top-eight finish after a rollercoaster campaign in Nasreddine Nabis first season in charge of Amakhosi. With eight wins, six draws and 10 defeats, the Soweto giants are currently 16 points behind Pirates and can realistically only dent Pirates league title aspirations.