Itumeleng Khune: Kaizer Chiefs must give everything to end trophy drought

The Soweto giants are set for back-to-back derbies, with the Betway Premiership fixture scheduled for 3 May at FNB Stadium, followed by the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Khune believes that while league form matters, Chiefs must seize the opportunity to end a nine-year trophy drought - a run he describes as "unprecedented."

Currently eighth in the Premiership, Amakhosi are still battling to secure a top-half finish. Meanwhile, Pirates are locked in a title race with Mamelodi Sundowns, adding extra intensity to the league encounter.

However, Khune insists the cup final carries far more weight for Chiefs, both symbolically and in terms of restoring pride.

"They need to prioritise by saying, 'Are we able to lose points in the league and save energy for the final, where we are going to win R7m and win a trophy for the first time in nine years?'" Khune said.

"At some point you are going to have to save energy for the most important game, and that is the final. They are going to have to prioritise and say, 'We can even play for a draw in the league, knowing we are keeping our place in the top eight.'

"They must go to the final and give their all to break the nine-year curse where they have not won a trophy. If you win this final, you are in the Confederation Cup and that will also be a confidence booster."

The final also marks a poignant moment for the Buccaneers, as it forms part of the farewell celebrations for their coach, Jose Riveiro, who is set to depart at the end of the season.