As May 2 approaches, Górnik Zabrze proudly recalls one of the brightest moments in the club's history: the triumph in the Polish Cup in 1971, where Jerzy Wilim became the hero. The 1970/71 season was exceptionally successful for Górnik, bringing their ninth national championship title after a three-year break, won in impressive style. After the autumn round, Legia Warszawa led with a six-point advantage, but Górnik's spring form was stunning, with eleven wins, one draw, and one loss in thirteen matches. Four days after the league concluded, the players faced another crucial challenge – defending the Polish Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

The road to the final was not easy. Górnik Zabrze defeated Wawel Kraków and Stal Rzeszów. In the two-legged tie against Warsaw's Gwardia, Górnik was better by one goal, and two matches with Ruch Chorzów ended in draws. In penalties, the Zabrze team triumphed thanks to the phenomenal performance of goalkeeper Jan Gomola, who secured the team's advancement.

Górnik Zabrze was appearing in the Polish Cup final for the ninth time, with a record of four wins and four losses. This time, the opponent was Zagłębie Sosnowiec. In Zabrze, the lost 1:2 final from 1962 at the Silesian Stadium was well remembered, providing additional motivation for revenge. In the spring league, Górnik defeated Zagłębie 5:0, starting a streak of seven consecutive wins. Zagłębie's squad included Jarosik, Gałeczka, Bazan, Szmidt, and Leszczyński – current or former Polish national team players, which attested to the rival's strength.

Before the match, the captains of both teams shared their thoughts. Józef Gałeczka, captain of Zagłębie Sosnowiec, told Katowice's "Sport" magazine: "We have had an excellent streak so far in Polish Cup final matches. We reached the final twice and won twice. There is a saying 'third time's the charm,' we will try to make sure it remains true. Górnik, by winning the Polish championship, has secured a place in the European Cup, and we, regardless of the result, will participate in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, so playing without nervous pressure, we will try to fight ambitiously and effectively. And the team’s form, as confirmed by our last league match with Legia, is certainly good."

Stanisław Oślizło, captain of Górnik Zabrze, responded: "I will be honest if I say we have completed 100 percent of the plan this season. The season was tough, but in the final stretch everything went our way, we reached the ninth title, but we do not intend to stop at regaining supremacy. The league competition just ended and we are still focused, capable of new effort. Now our goal is to win the 'double crown.' Arsenal from London achieved a double this season, so why wouldn’t we manage a similar feat? Especially since we are defending this trophy for the fourth time, and that is an obligation. On Sunday at the Silesian Stadium we certainly will not disappoint our fans!"

The captains' words indicated good form and spirits, and Górnik Zabrze's players were already mentally ready for the battle at the Silesian Stadium. Only the weather failed on Sunday, June 27, 1971, promising a rainy final, which, however, did not hinder a historic performance.