Orlando Pirates coach labels Nasreddine Nabi's Kaizer Chiefs as favourites to win Nedbank Cup - ‘They were the last winners at the Moses Mabhida Stadium'

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has surprisingly handed the favourites tag to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the Nedbank Cup final. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Ncikazi said history leans in Chiefs’ favour as they were the last team to win a cup final when the two giants previously met.

He also pointed out that Nasreddine Nabi's side will have the edge physically as they are well-rested, having last played against Pirates in the league. The 56-year-old emphasised that despite Pirates' dominance in recent league derbies, this one is different due to the stakes involved.

He suggested Amakhosi will be more desperate and driven, especially with their ten-year trophy drought hanging over them. The Bucs camp is aware of the emotional weight on their rivals and isn’t taking them lightly.

Ncikazi’s comments could also be seen as mind games to shift pressure onto the Tunisian's side. The Soweto Derby final is set to be a tense and fiery encounter.

"The history says the last time the two teams competed in a cup final was in September 2014, Chiefs won the game, the MTN8 - they were the last winners at the Moses Mabhida Stadium," Ncikazi said.

"Honestly, I don't think we have any advantage currently because history says previously they were the last winners when we met at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

"We will give our best shot, but there is no history that we will rely on to try and win this match. We are not the favourites. Being a favourite, it is very subjective; it depends on how you want to look at it," he continued.

"One, Chiefs were the winners in our last meeting in the final. Secondly, Chiefs are a well-rested team. If you look at the number of games we have played, we have played 48 games and they have played 34 games.

"So we have [played] 14 games more than they have played. So they are a well-rested team. Coming into this week, we were playing yesterday.

"Chiefs had a whole week of preparations. We don't want to fall into the fallacy of thinking that we are the favourites, we are not, but Chiefs are the favourites."

Orlando Pirates have already claimed the MTN8 title this season and are chasing a domestic double. The Nedbank Cup final marks the first time in a decade that both Soweto giants will contest a major cup final, adding extra hype and pressure.

However, the buildup has been marred by ticketing frustrations due to unprecedented demand. Jose Riveiro has enjoyed a strong record against Chiefs this season, completing a league double over them. With his future uncertain, the Spaniard will be eager to sign off with another trophy and further assert Bucs' recent dominance.

Pirates face Chiefs in a sold-out final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match presents a golden opportunity to give Jose Riveiro a perfect send-off and finish the season with two trophies.