Ernst Middendorp coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the Kaizer Chiefs Press Conference on the 14 February 2019 at PSL Offices Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Nedbank Cup final: Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy – Team news, kick-off time and live stream

Despite a horrid finish to their league campaign, Kaizer Chiefs are overwhelming favourites to win the Nedbank Cup final, as they face TS Galaxy on Saturday.

by Siviwe Breakfast

16-05-2019 11:13

in Premier Soccer League

Ernst Middendorp coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the Kaizer Chiefs Press Conference on the 14 February 2019 at PSL Offices Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

After recording their worst finish in the PSL era, Kaizer Chiefs shift their focus to the all important Nedbank Cup final, where they square off against first division outfit TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Glamour Boys went seven league matches without a victory in the closing stages of the season to finish in ninth place with just 39 points – their lowest tally ever.

They now have to pick themselves up for one final game, where they go in as overwhelming favourites against a side that also finished midtable – albeit in the second tier.

Victory on Saturday will see the Soweto giants claim their first piece of silverware since 2015, and join Cape Town City, Baroka and league champions Mamelodi Sundowns among teams who have hoisted a trophy in the 2018/19 season.

Nedbank Cup final team news

Coach Ernst Middendorp reckons winning the second most prestigious prize in the local game will be as good as placing them in “second position” overall.

“We now have a chance to win the second highest competitive trophy in the country.
“Congratulations to Pitso Mosimane, congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. They fully deserved winning the PSL again, and it’s now up to us to be in second position and win the second highest competition inside South Africa.”
Ernst Middendorp

With Saturday’s venue often serving as an alternative home base for Chiefs, who are the country’s most supported club, their opponents are, however, not overawed by the prospect of playing in front of a crowd of 60 000-odd spectators, mostly cheering the opposition.

Coach, Dan “Dance” Malesela said his charges are used to playing in front of big crowds.

“The fortunate thing is that we’ve always played in fron’t of a packed stadium in Kameelrivier,” he said.
“So it’s not the same situation (as Moses Mabhida Stadium), but I think my players are used to the crowds. They are used to the shouting.”
Dan Malesela

Galaxy ascended to the final by beating Lamontville Golden Arrows in the semis, having met lower league sides in the earlier rounds.

Chiefs have had a relatively easy path to the last two, beating two third-tier outfits first up, before convincing wins against Cape Town City and Chippa United.