PSL era's first-time champions: Sekhukhune aims to join illustrious ranks of Nedbank Cup winners

In the heart of Pretoria, anticipation fills the air as Sekhukhune United prepares for the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Kick-off is at 18:00.

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The Kempton Park-based club are dreaming of becoming first-time champions and etching their name among the elite clubs of the Premier Soccer League era.

Over the years, a select few have experienced this joyous feat. 

As Sekhukhune prepares to write their own chapter, the echoes of past triumphs inspire them to seize the elusive glory of Nedbank Cup victory.

Kaizer Chiefs 0-2 SuperSport United

Rewind to the 1999 final, where the competition was still known as the Bob Save Super Bowl. The naming rights lasted from 1988 until 2002. 

South Africans witnessed an unexpected showdown between Kaizer Chiefs, renowned kings of topflight football in the country, and the underdogs SuperSport United.

A masterful performance orchestrated by Thomas Madigage and Glen Salmon secured a 2-0 victory for SuperSport, leaving Chiefs with a mere consolation penalty goal from Pollen Ndlanya.

Santos 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

In 2001, Santos, guided by legendary former Bafana Bafana mentor Clive Barker, stepped into the spotlight as they claimed their first trophy against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Tyren Arendse's early strike at Soccer City sealed the deal for the Cape Town club. Barker bid farewell on a high note, and Santos continued their success, clinching the league title the following season.

Ajax Cape Town 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

Fast forward to 2007, where Ajax (now Cape Town Spurs) lifted the Absa Cup in its final year as head sponsorship before Nedbank's