PIC: Yusuf Maart in action in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Stellenbosch FC

Kaizer Chiefs’ long trophy drought has been agonising for fans as it extends to an unwanted club record of 10 years, but having reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals there is hope they can end that barren run.
Chiefs must wait to find out if they will play Mamelodi Sundowns or Sekhukhune United in the last-4, but either way will be dreaming of a return to the Nedbank Cup decider for the first time in six years when they were shocked by then second-tier TS Galaxy in Durban.
Chiefs are the most successful side in the history of the Nedbank Cup competition overall, lifting the trophy on 13 occasions since their first triumph in 1971.
But they have only a single success in almost the last two decades, which came when Bernard Parker’s extra-time goal against SuperSport United made them champions in 2013.
That is one of two finals appearances since 2008, the other being that fateful clash against Galaxy.
They have reached five semifinals before, beating Dan Malesela’s second-tier United FC 2-1 in 2013 and Chippa United 4-2 in 2019. 

But there was also a penalty shoot-out defeat to BidVest Wits following a 2-2 draw in 2014, a 2-0 loss to Free State Stars in 2018 and, perhaps most painful of all, a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Orlando Pirates in 2023.

There is no doubt the players are desperate for silverware, and that laser focus will make them difficult opponents, according to captain Yusuf Maart.

“We are all trying to push each other to get to a level where we can just concentrate on winning each and every game from now until the end of the season,” he said, adding their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal success against Stellenbosch FC this past weekend gave them a huge boost.

“The win on Saturday gave us confidence, and I want to thank the fans for the amazing support they gave us in Gqeberha.”

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has tried to create competition for places, despite some serious set-backs, including what could be a season ending knee injury for young defender Rushwin Dortley. 

“Everyone in the squad wants to play, but we are all committed to what the coach decides, so you also have to be happy for the person who gets selected,” Maart said.

“That’s how football is, because it is a team game and we are all in it together.”

The matches are coming thick and fast at this stage of the season and fatigue could be a factor come the Nedbank Cup semifinals that are scheduled for mid-April.
Maart feels perhaps his side will have the advantage especially if they come up against Sundowns. 
That semifinal is scheduled to be Chiefs’ 30^th game of the season in all competitions, compared to Sundowns’ 44^th (if they make it past Sekhukhune).

“We manage the load because the coaches understand how to look after us. We eat properly, sleep properly, and we have good recovery between games,” Maart says.

KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEDBANK CUP FINISHES

2024 – First round

2023 – Semifinals

2022 – First round

2021 – First round

2020 – Second round

2019 – Runners-Up

2018 – Semifinals

2017 – Quarterfinals

2016 – First round

2015 – Second round

2014 – Semifinals

2013 – Winners

2012 – Quarterfinals

2011 – Quarterfinals

2010 – Second round

2009 – Second round

2008 – Second round