Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership at the FNB stadium FILE. The Cufa Cup has replaced the Macufe Cup, and marked Chiefs’ first silverware of the new season under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs won the Cultural Urban Festival Africa (Cufa) Cup as they beat Marumo Gallants 4-3 on penalties in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
The Cufa Cup has replaced the Macufe Cup, and marked Chiefs’ first silverware of the new season under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes of play, before the teams headed straight to penalties.
AmaKhosi keeper Bruce Bvuma proved to be the hero as he saved Gallants’ fourth and fifth penalties to hand his side the triumph.
CUFA Cup between Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants now underway at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. In attendance is Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) October 13, 2024
“Re a Cufasela” #CUFAFestival #CUFA2024 pic.twitter.com/xIO2KNvcvw
Though Bvuma will go down as the hero for Chiefs, it was perhaps the organisers that should take credit for the match being allowed to take place.
Before the 3pm kick-off, the match had been saved from uncertainty as Gallants had looked like they weren’t going to turn up for the contest. On Saturday, Gallants released a statement about not being able to confirm its participation.
“Marumo Gallants FC would like to advise its supporters and fans that it is unable to confirm its participation in the CUFA CUP game against Kaizer Chiefs FC on the 13th of October 2024 due to a contractual dispute with the organizers,” read the statement.
“Marumo Gallants FC shall advise accordingly should the dispute be resolved on time to confirm participation.”
On Sunday morning though, organisers of the fixture had a last-ditch meeting to rescue the match.
“The CUFA Cup match between Marumo Gallants and Kaizer Chiefs will take place as planned,” the organisers said.
“This follows the meeting that took place on Sunday morning to resolve the concerns raised by Marumo Gallants. We are delighted that a resolution was reached on time and the supporters will enjoy the match at 3pm,” they concluded.
Chiefs are next in action in the Telkom Knockout against SuperSport United on Saturday.