Five pivotal battles that will define the Chiefs-Sundowns Nedbank Cup clash

Mamelodi Sundowns are chasing yet an unprecedented treble while Kaizer Chiefs are desperately clinging to the possibility of silverware and salvation as the Nedbank Cup takes centre stage. 

When these two giants clash at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday at 6:00 PM in the semi-final, it won’t just be about the badge or the bench, it is expected to come down to moments and individual battles.

Football writer Smiso Msomi takes a look at five duels that could shape the complexion of this encounter: 

1. Thabo Cele vs Jayden Adams

Chiefs have finally found a heartbeat in midfield, and it’s wearing the number 21. Thabo Cele, with his composure on the ball and European seasoning, offers Amakhosi a blend of bite and ball progression.

But against Jayden Adams, he meets a player with tactical intelligence beyond his years. Adams is not just neat in possession—he dictates Sundowns’ tempo. Whoever seizes midfield control will be laying the first brick toward the final.

2. Lucas Ribeiro vs Inacio Miguel

Lucas Ribeiro doesn’t just drift between lines—he dissects them. Chiefs’ new-look centre-back pairing has been solid in patches, but Inacio Miguel faces a test of concentration and positioning like no other.

Ribeiro’s tendency to drop deep and pull defenders out of shape could expose Miguel’s recovery pace. One lapse, one mistimed step—and Sundowns are in.

3. Glody Lilepo vs Aubrey Modiba

One of the more under-the-radar battles, but a fascinating one. Glody Lilepo is starting to show flashes of the explosive winger Chiefs hoped for. Direct, unpredictable, and hungry.

Whilst the left bacl slot has been up for grabs in Miguel Cardoso’s team the experience of Modiba is expected to give him the edge. The Bafana left bacl doesn’t just defend—he initiates Sundowns’ attacking patterns from deep. Win this flank, and you win territory.

4. Iqraam Rayners vs Given Msimango

Iqraam Rayners is enjoying a second wind. Deployed in a more central role lately, he’s been sniffing out half-chances and punishing defenders who blink.

Given Msimango has had a stop-start season—but his aerial prowess and last-ditch tackling could be the difference in denying Rayners that crucial yard. Physical. Mental. This one will be a battle of wits as much as will.

5. Gaston Sirino vs Teboho Mokoena

If Sirino starts, and that’s still a tactical toss-up, Teboho Mokoena will need to put out fires before they spread.

Sirino, when in rhythm, is chaos in motion. He finds spaces others don’t see, and he tempts tackles in dangerous zones. Mokoena, for all his engine and elegance, must be disciplined here. Because one wrong decision, and Chiefs might be rolling through midfield with intent.

For Sundowns, it’s about execution. For Chiefs, it’s about belief. But for both, these match-ups are the margins. And in a semi-final, margins become moments. Moments become trophies.