Edwin Gyimah of Sekhukhune United celebrates their win at the end of the DStv Premiership match between Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium. (Photo by Kabelo Leputu/Gallo Images)
- Sekhukhune United seeks maiden victory in Nedbank Cup, inspired by past underdog triumphs.
- Notable victories include SuperSport United’s 1999 upset against Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy’s stunning win over Chiefs in 2019.
- The club seeks to etch their name among the elite clubs of the Premier Soccer League era with a historic win.
In the heart of Pretoria, anticipation fills the air as Sekhukhune United prepares for the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
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The Kempton Park-based club are dreaming of becoming first-time champions and etching their name among the elite clubs of the Premier Soccer League era.
Over the years, a select few have experienced this joyous feat.
As Sekhukhune prepares to write their own chapter, the echoes of past triumphs inspire them to seize the elusive glory of Nedbank Cup victory.
Kaizer Chiefs 0-2 SuperSport United
Rewind to the 1999 final, where the competition was still known as the Bob Save Super Bowl. The naming rights lasted from 1988 until 2002.
South Africans witnessed an unexpected showdown between Kaizer Chiefs, renowned kings of topflight football in the country, and the underdogs SuperSport United.
A masterful performance orchestrated by Thomas Madigage and Glen Salmon secured a 2-0 victory for SuperSport, leaving Chiefs with a mere consolation penalty goal from Pollen Ndlanya.
Santos 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
In 2001, Santos, guided by legendary former Bafana Bafana mentor Clive Barker, stepped into the spotlight as they claimed their first trophy against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Tyren Arendse’s early strike at Soccer City sealed the deal for the Cape Town club. Barker bid farewell on a high note, and Santos continued their success, clinching the league title the following season.
Ajax Cape Town 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Fast forward to 2007, where Ajax (now Cape Town Spurs) lifted the Absa Cup in its final year as head sponsorship before Nedbank’s takeover. The Urban Warriors put in a dominant 2-0 win over Sundowns at King’s Park.
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Bryce Moon and Franklin Cale unleashed their skills, showcasing the exuberance of youth. Moon’s volley and Cale’s audacious lob left Sundowns disoriented, squandering their chance at the double after a triumphant league campaign.
Free State Stars 1-0 Maritzburg United
The year 2018 witnessed an intriguing and unlikely final clash between Free State Stars and Maritzburg United.
Luc Eymael’s Stars absorbed the pressure, seizing their moment just before halftime. Goodman Dlamini capitalized on Sinethemba Jantjie’s setup, propelling Stars to a historic victory.
Despite Maritzburg’s control of the game, nerves overwhelmed them, hindering their path to glory under the guidance of young coach Fadlu Davids.
TS Galaxy 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Then came the sensational tale of TS Galaxy in 2019, a club from outside the top-flight, defying the odds against mighty Chiefs at Durban’s Mosss Mabhida Stadium.
Ernst Middendorp’s formidable side, the favorites by far, faced an unexpected defeat in stoppage time.
Zakhele Lepasa’s converted penalty bestowed upon minnows TS Galaxy, managed by Dan Malesela, an astonishing triumph, leaving the nation stunned.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1-0 Chippa United
Finally, the year 2021 witnessed the rise of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, now known as Marumo Gallants, as they captured the crown.
Following a change in ownership and identity, the club emerged victorious with Dylan Kerr at the helm.
Their adversary, Chippa United, entered their inaugural final with high hopes but fell short when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondo’s audacious long-range effort deflected off Frederic Nsabiyumva’s head, leaving goalkeeper Ismail Watenga helpless in the 27th minute.
