Before the final, we revisit the ten greatest finals in this competition since its inception in 1982.

1992 - AmaZulu 3-1 Kaizer Chiefs

One of the most memorable days in AmaZulu’s history, when they faced the heavily favored Kaizer Chiefs in the Coca-Cola Cup final and returned with a decisive victory — notably, this was also the last time they won a trophy! Usuthu scored through their star forward George Dearnaley, Ephraim Mwale, and Simon Magagula. Johannes Phadime had equalized for Chiefs before Usuthu sealed their legendary win.

1994 - QwaQwa Stars 3-2 Hellenic

A thrilling five-goal final that ended with QwaQwa Stars victorious, who later rebranded as Free State Stars and remained a staple in South Africa’s top league until their relegation in 2019. Bunene Ngaduane scored twice, and Meshack Tsotetsi netted in the first minute of extra time to secure the win. Hellenic’s goals were scored by David Peterson and Gerald Stober.

1998 - Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

Chiefs triumphed 2-1 in the penalty shootout

A classic encounter between the era’s top two teams, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout where Chiefs eventually won 2-1 thanks to Pollen Ndlanya’s sudden death penalty. Chiefs took the lead within the first minute through Thabo Mooki , but Sundowns equalized in the 75th minute when Joel Masilela fired past Brian Baloyi. Alex Bapela put The Brazilians ahead in extra time, but Siyabonga Nomvethe leveled the score by collecting Neil Tovey’s long pass to make it 2-2.

2000 - Ajax Cape Town 4-1 Orlando Pirates

The initial match ended 1-1, but instead of penalties, a replay was held — and a young, confident Ajax team defied expectations to win. They took an early lead through Brett Evans , followed by two goals from Carlo Scott and one from Jeremy Jansen, securing a remarkable victory for a club just a year old.

2001 - Kaizer Chiefs 5-0 Jomo Cosmos

For eight years, this was the largest winning margin in a South African cup final as Chiefs dominated Jomo Cosmos, until Lamontville Golden Arrows surpassed it with a 6-0 win over Ajax Cape Town in the 2009 MTN8 final. Chiefs took the lead in the first half through current assistant coach Arthur Zwane. Cosmos held on until the last 20 minutes, when AmaKhosi surged: Kenny Niemach scored a second, Jabu Pule (now known as Mahlangu) added two more, and Stanton Fredericks completed the scoring with a fifth goal.

2006 - Silver Stars 3-1 Ajax Cape Town

Silver Stars, later popularly called Platinum Stars , claimed their first major trophy in style by defeating Ajax 3-1, powered by a hat-trick from Simba Marumo. This remains the only hat-trick ever scored in a final of this competition. Serge Bageta scored a late consolation for Ajax.

2010 - Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 Orlando Pirates

Defending champions Chiefs secured back-to-back titles in 2010 by convincingly beating their rivals Pirates. Striker Sthembiso Ngcobo scored in both halves, before winger Siphiwe Tshabalala added a third goal in front of a 90,000-strong crowd at FNB Stadium.

2014 - SuperSport United 3-2 Platinum Stars

One of the most dramatic finals in South African football history. Stars took the lead through Robert Ng’ambi, but Clayton Daniels equalized for Matsatsantsa with a penalty. The match went into extra time where Daniels scored another penalty to put SuperSport ahead. Defending champions Stars responded with a powerful volley from Mogakolodi Ngele , before Ronwen Williams saved a penalty from Eleazar Rodgers. SuperSport clinched the win with a goal by former Dikwena stalwart Thuso Phala.

2018 - Baroka FC 2-2 Orlando Pirates

Baroka won 3-2 on penalties

Pirates were heavy favorites going into this match and expected to easily defeat Baroka FC. However, the Buccaneers were handicapped after midfielder Marshall Munetsiwas shown a straight red card, and Jemondre Dickens opened the scoring for Baroka. Musa Nyatama leveled for Pirates from close range. Mduduzi Mdantsane, now playing for Chiefs, scored a penalty to restore Baroka’s lead, before Thembinkosi Lorch equalized for Pirates, sending the game to penalties.

2014 – Magesi FC 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

One of the biggest cup final shocks in South African football history as underdogs Magesi FC defeated the powerhouse Sundowns in the final. The Brazilians took the lead through Iqraam Rayners and seemed set for an easy victory, but when Tshepo Kakora equalized just after halftime, the contest intensified. Delano Abrahams then scored the winning goal three minutes before the end for an unlikely triumph.