Xoki: ‘History doesn’t play these games’ as Orlando Pirates get set for Kaizer Chiefs in Nedbank Cup final

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has downplayed the significance of his team’s recent dominance over Kaizer Chiefs, insisting that their focus is squarely on the performance required in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final. 

The Soweto giants meet in a sold-out clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 3.30pm.

This will be the second cup final for the Buccaneers this season, and a chance to complete a treble under coach Jose Riveiro, who is leaving the club at the end of the campaign.

A win would mark Pirates’ third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and sixth overall trophy since Riveiro’s arrival in 2022.

Despite the momentum favouring Pirates, having defeated Chiefs in both league encounters this season, Xoki insists that past results are irrelevant when it comes to finals.

“History doesn’t play these games. For us, it’s important that we are ourselves on the day,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.

“We can’t play the occasion, but we need to play the match itself.

“We have prepared well and we have done our analysis, so what matters now is to execute that analysis and the plan we have prepared.

“We can’t look at the recent success because it doesn’t play on the day, but our attitude and application will do the most talking on the day if we want results.”

The Buccaneers beat Chiefs 1-0 in the first league meeting this season with a stoppage-time penalty from Patrick Maswanganyi. 

In the return leg, they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win, extending their Soweto Derby winning streak to five games – two last season, two this season, and last year’s Nedbank Cup semi-final.

Riveiro has already made history as the first coach in the PSL era to win five consecutive league matches against Chiefs. 

He also became the first to complete a league double over Amakhosi in two straight seasons. But Xoki is quick to shift attention to the present.

“In finals, it’s not about what happened before or what the records say,” he added.

“It’s about who shows up on the day. We respect Chiefs, and we know they’ll come prepared. We have to do the same.”

Beyond the senior squad’s success, Pirates have also been buoyed by the emergence of exciting young talent in the last two seasons. 

Winger Relebohile Mofokeng, attacker Mohau Nkota and midfielder Mbekezeli Mbokazi have all made impressive breakthroughs.

“It’s a minimal role, you just let them be themselves. The coach gives them the confidence and everyone at the club supports them,” said Xoki.

“We let them be kids because we know what they’re capable of, we see them at training and what they can produce.

“So on the day, it’s about letting them be themselves by feeling the moment.”

With silverware on the line, the Buccaneers are focused on executing their game-plan – something they’ve managed well against Chiefs in recent meetings. 

Still, Xoki remains cautious, knowing that form and history can fade quickly on matchday.

“Once we’re on the field, it’s 11 versus 11. That’s what we’re preparing for,” he concluded.