Kaizer Chiefs have been crowned Carling Black Label Cup champions after defeating Orlando Pirates on penalties at Orlando Stadium.
Carling Black Label Cup
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Orlando Pirates (Chiefs won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 01 August 2021
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Njabulo Blom, Sabelo Radebe, Lebohang Lesako all got starts for the Amakhosi while Samir Nurkovic was joined in the attack by Khama Billiat, who started the CAF Champions League final on the bench.
Despite fielding a few younger players in the midfield, Chiefs enjoyed a lot of the possession in the early stages of the encounter although chances were hard to come by.
The game's first real opening fell to Pirates' Fortune Makaringe who collected a pass from Thembinkosi Lorch but he was only able to fire into the side-netting from close range on 30 minutes.
Itumeleng Khune, who recently signed an extension, ensured the sides went into the break all square after producing a good save to keep out Lorch's stinging effort.
Kaizer Chiefs officially launched their 2021/22 kits
The fans voted for their first substitution for the second half, with Kgaogelo Sekgota making his Chiefs in debut in place of Lesako while the Pirates voted for Siphesihle Ndlovu to replace Thabang Monare.
After the likes of Cole Alexander, Sifiso Hlanti and Phathutshedzo Nange were introduced, Chiefs nearly bagged the opener on 63 minutes when Billiat's knockdown found Alexander who saw his volley deflected over the crossbar.
Khune was at his best at the other end a few minutes later after showing great reflexes to keep out Lorch, who was left un-marked at the far post after Nange had lost possession.
Chiefs were then awarded a penalty on 74 minutes after Nyuaza handled in the box, however Daniel Cardoso was unable to capitalise after his spot-kick was saved by Richard Ofori.
Brandon Petersen made a cameo in the second half and was called into action in the final 10 minutes to cut out a cross from Boitumelo Radiopane with Pirates attackers lurking.
In the end, the game would go straight a penalty shoot-out after a scoreless 90 minutes and Chiefs held their nerve to win 4-3, with Peterson saving two penalties.
Here's how the two sides started:
Chiefs: Khune; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Cardoso, Mashiane, Blom, Baccus, Lesako, Radebe, Nurkovic, Billiat
Subs: Akpeyi, Bvuma, Peterson, Agay, Alexander, Sekgota, Nange, Hlanti, Dube, Ntiya-Ntiya, Kambole, Mokwena, Matsheke, Parker, Nj. Ngcobo
Pirates: Ofori, Hlatshwayo, Maela, Jooste, Nyauza, Monare, Motshwari, Hotto, Makaringe, Mhango, Lorch.
Subs: Mpontshane, Sandilands, Sesane, Mntambo, Makgaka, Tshobeni, Zungu, Bophela, Cwinyane, Radiopane, Shandu, Mgonyama.
