Can Proteas mimic McIlroy, Chiefs and Liverpool to eventually end trophy drought?

Five months into 2025 and we can already call it the year of sporting redemption. A year that has already seen decade-long trophy droughts ended in spectacular fashion.

On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs finally ended their long wait for a major trophy when they stunned their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup.

Tears flowed on and off the pitch, as coach Nasreddine Nabi’s team came away with a 2-1 victory to claim a first piece of silverware since Stuart Baxter’s team were crowned league champions in 2015. Such was Kaizer Chiefs’ jubilation on Saturday that Nabi even gave us some English during the post-match television interviews.

Last month Rory McIlroy, regarded as one of the greatest golfers the world has ever seen, finally won the Masters to complete a rare Grand Slam of golf Majors.

It was also his first Major win since the 2014 PGA Championship, as he finally got the monkey off his back after many near misses. After the heartbreak of last year’s US Open, when he capitulated over the last three holes by missing crucial short putts, the Northern Irishman kept it together to triumph once more.

Liverpool also managed to win back the Premier League after winning the “Covid-19” league title back in 2020. Having recorded record points totals in close second-place finishes behind Manchester City, they cruised to the title this season and will this time be able to celebrate it with the Anfield faithful at the end of the season.

In Germany, star England striker Harry Kane finally got the monkey off his back when he fired Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga crown. It was the crowning moment of a career that only had various individual awards to show for it.

On May 21, Kane’s former team Tottenham Hotspur have an unbelievable opportunity to break their 17-year trophy drought when they face Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain.

Their league form has been simply horrendous, with 20 defeats seeing them currently occupying the 17th position in the league. But having beaten United three times so far this season, they will definitely be fancying their chances.

However, the longest trophy drought that could end this year is the Proteas’ 27-year wait for an ICC trophy.

It’s been a long walk to freedom for the South African cricket side after their 1998 Champions Trophy win. Since then there has been a lot of pain, especially in the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup.

Their epic clash against Australia at the 1999 event in England and Wales still gives the fans sleepless nights, as they failed to get over the line after the scores were tied with three balls remaining in the match.

In 2015, fast-bowling icon Dale Steyn couldn’t defend 15 in the last over against New Zealand at Eden Park, as South African-born Grant Elliot won the match with a six to book a final against Australia.

The Proteas came close last season when Aiden Markram’s outfit became the first SA men’s team to make into the T20 World Cup final. However, they were eventually beaten by India after initially cruising to victory.

But now the Proteas face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final from June 11 to try and get their hands on the coveted mace at Lord’s.

Shukri Conrad’s team have been clinical on their way to the final against the mighty Australians, winning seven of their last eight Test matches to qualify.

With Kagiso Rabada’s cocaine troubles over and top batsmen getting back to full fitness and others firing in the Indian Premier League, they will go into the Test confident of doing the business.

The year 2025 has brought joy back to long-suffering fans. Could Proteas supporters be next to taste some success?

@JohnGoliath82