Ruck&Maul Column
Kaizer Chiefs gave it their all for nearly 90 minutes of their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Sunday evening.
But with the score at 1-1 at a packed Loftus Versfeld, it was almost inevitable that the Brazilians would find a way to get the winner, whether it was in stoppage time, or getting through the penalty shoot-out.
That is the Sundowns way. They are serial winners, kings of South African football, and well on their way to adding a second star on their jersey in the CAF Champions League, where they will face Al Ahly in the semi-final first leg in Pretoria on Saturday.
In contrast, Chiefs – despite being the most popular club in South African football – are ridiculed on the social media streets for their now-infamous trophy drought, which stretches back to the 2014-15 league title on Stuart Baxter’s watch.
The Amakhosi are also languishing in eighth spot on the current Premiership log – not quite Manchester United proportions, but still unacceptable for a club of that stature.
So, when Ashley du Preez scored what turned out to be the winning goal after 88 minutes and 14 seconds of the Sundowns clash, it changed the feeling around Kaizer Chiefs across South Africa.
Suddenly, Phefeni Glamour Boys had earned instant respect.
Yes, Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso was right to say that it was offside, as Du Preez had just inched ahead of the defence to meet George Matlou’s cross and beat Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns fans – and supporters from other clubs – are still remonstrating days later that VAR would’ve ruled out Du Preez’s strike, and that the goal should not have been given.
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But that is the hand that was dealt, and Chiefs produced to go through to the final against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
It just made all the blood, sweat, tears, heartache and pain all worth it for the Chiefs players, coaches and fans.
They are still the best-supported team in Mzansi, no matter what their results have been and despite the lack of silverware.
So, it’s just reward for everyone involved with the Amakhosi that they are finally in contention to win something – and having beaten Sundowns to get that chance, and now have to square off in a Soweto Derby against Pirates to become champions.
For under-fire coach Nasreddine Nabi, it is welcome relief from what has been a difficult season.
There is a belief that his English is perfectly fine when Chiefs are winning, as he resorts to French most of the time in media interactions.
But he wrote a heartfelt post in English on his Instagram account after the win over Sundowns.
“We all know this season has been a tough one. That’s why today, my pride in this team, our phenomenal fanbase, the management, and the board is even greater,” Nabi stated.
“Most importantly, to my players – on Sunday you showed immense character, resilience, and dedication against one of Africa’s best teams.
“You have faced criticism head-on and applied yourselves with such professionalism and heart. The sacrifices you have made, some playing through pain, do not go unnoticed.
“You deserve all the credit for Sunday’s victory! This is a significant moment. We will continue to give absolutely everything for this beloved club in the remaining games of the season InchAllah. #Amakhosi4Life”
Since the game, Chiefs detractors are also mocking their fans for celebrating the victory over Sundowns as if they’ve won a trophy already.
But understand where they’re coming from, after all the tough times over the last 10 years.
Chiefs beating Sundowns is not only good for the Amakhosi supporters, but also for South African football.
How boring has it been to see Masandawana win the league title for seven seasons in a row?
At least it hasn’t been a procession in the cup competitions, with Pirates having won the Nedbank Cup over the last two seasons and the MTN8 three years in a row.
While Pirates fans will disagree, let’s hope that Chiefs can win the final, so that they can deserve the ‘Mighty Amakhosi’ nickname once more.