Chiefs Fall Short of MTN8 Spot Again Despite Ending Trophy Drought with Nedbank Cup Victory
Kaizer Chiefs ended their 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign with a goalless draw against Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 24 May 2025, a result that saw them miss out on a place in next season’s MTN8 competition for the second year running.
Despite lifting the 2025 Nedbank Cup earlier this month — a historic triumph that ended a painful 10-year trophy drought — the Soweto giants once again fell short of securing a top-eight league finish, ending the season in ninth place with 32 points from 28 matches. Chiefs scored 25 goals and conceded 32 throughout the campaign.
The match itself was a story of missed chances and frustration for Amakhosi. Tashreeq Morris had the first real opportunity after 15 minutes, but his low drive went narrowly past the far post. Five minutes later, Dillan Solomons came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with a thunderous shot that rattled the left post.
Polokwane City, looking to cement their top-eight position, also had their moments. Surprise Manthosi squandered a golden opportunity on 35 minutes, firing wide from close range. Chiefs continued to push before the break, and Edmilson Dove saw his looping header brush the top of the crossbar in the 40th minute.
The second half brought more frustration for the visitors. A dangerous Chiefs cross in the 60th minute struck the bar by Delan Solomons. The pressure mounted as Yusuf Maart had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line just three minutes later.
With results elsewhere going against them, head coach Nasreddine Nabi introduced Gaston Sirino and Ranga Chivaviro in a desperate attempt to find a late winner. But despite the attacking changes, the breakthrough never came.
Polokwane City, affectionately known as Rise and Shine, held firm and earned the crucial point they needed to seal a top-eight finish, ending the season on 34 points — two clear of Chiefs.
For Amakhosi, the Nedbank Cup success will offer some consolation and a route into next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. However, missing out on the MTN8 tournament once again will sting — especially given their long-standing pedigree and ambitions to reassert domestic dominance.
As another rollercoaster season draws to a close, Chiefs fans will reflect on a campaign of mixed emotions: a long-awaited cup lifted at last, but also another missed opportunity for consistency and league success.