Nedbank Cup Final: Exploring the History of Past Champions

The Nedbank Cup has once again delivered drama, upsets and classic encounters. Now only two sides remain—Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. These Soweto giants will battle it out in a final loaded with history, pride, and silverware this weekend.

While seven of the Last 16 teams in this year’s edition had previously lifted the cup, the path to the final has confirmed that experience often triumphs in knockout football

Nedbank Cup Past Champions

Kaizer Chiefs – 13 Titles (Most Successful)

Chiefs boast a record 13 Nedbank Cup wins, though the majority came during their golden era in the 1970s and 80s. They’ve managed just three cup wins in the last 33 years, with the most recent in 2013 against SuperSport United. Notable victories include their first title in 1971 against Orlando Pirates and a famous win on penalties over the same rivals in 2006. Their dominance early in the competition’s history remains unmatched.

Orlando Pirates – 10 Titles (Second Most Successful)

Pirates ended a nine-year cup drought in 2023 by defeating Sekhukhune United and retained the title in 2024 with a win over Sundowns. They’ve won 10 of their 19 finals – including a historic hat-trick of wins from 1973 to 1975. Their record includes classic final victories against rivals like Chiefs, Cosmos, and Swallows, reaffirming their cup pedigree.

Mamelodi Sundowns – 6 Titles (Recent Resurgence)

Though historically inconsistent in this competition, Sundowns have found recent success with victories in 2020 and 2022. Their maiden cup win came in 1986 against Jomo Cosmos. More recently, they edged Ajax Cape Town in 2015 on penalties and beat Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2008.

SuperSport United – 5 Titles (Consistent Performers)

SuperSport have claimed five titles, with their recent ones coming in 2012, 2016, and 2017. The back-to-back wins over Orlando Pirates in those latter two years showcased their dominance, with the 4-1 result in 2017 marking one of the most convincing final wins in recent memory. They’ve only lost one final – in 2013 to Chiefs after extra-time.

Cape Town Spurs – 1 Title (2007)

Formerly known as Ajax Cape Town, Spurs claimed their only Nedbank Cup triumph in 2007, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 at King’s Park Stadium. That victory avenged a 2-0 final defeat to Santos in 2003. They came close again in 2015 but lost to Sundowns on penalties in Gqeberha, despite having the opportunity to seal it in the shootout.

Marumo Gallants – 1 Title (2021)

In a fairy-tale run under the TTM banner, Gallants won the 2021 title with a 1-0 win over Chippa United. Their surprise semifinal triumph over Sundowns via penalties remains one of the standout moments in recent cup history. Now based in the Free State after acquiring Moroka Swallows’ status, Gallants’ run for another shock ended.

TS Galaxy – 1 Title (Historic Underdogs)

Galaxy made history in 2019 by becoming the first and only second-tier side to lift the Nedbank Cup, stunning Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 through a late Zakhele Lepasa penalty. Their victory under coach Dan Malesela remains one of the greatest underdog stories in South African football.

Also read: NEDBANK CUP FINAL: Tickets Go On Sale Monday for Soweto Derby Showdown

With seasoned giants like Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns still in the mix, the race for Nedbank Cup glory is as tight as ever. But with nine teams yet to taste success also in contention, there’s a strong possibility of a new name being etched into the honours list in 2025. Whether history repeats itself or a new legacy is born, fans across the country are in for a thrilling ride.