Orlando Pirates have won the 2025 Carling Knockout to lift their second trophy of the season after clinching the MTN8 in September at the Mbombela Stadium.
The Soweto giants created a string of chances in the first 10 minutes of the game, but Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Masindi Nemtajela all failed to break the deadlock.
ORLANDO PIRATES CRACKS MARUMO GALLANTS’ DEFENCE IN EXTRA TIME
Gallants eventually managed to settle, which meant a stubborn defensive organisation that remained tight until Mofokeng’s winner in the second half of extra time.
The campaign started with Siwelele’s visit at the Orlando Stadium. In what was a tight affair, Mbekezeli Mbokazi hit that later screamer to send the Buccaneers through to the semis, where they dispatched Magesi 2-1 at the same venue.
Pirates then marched into the final after a narrow 1-0 win over Richards Bay in a tense semifinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Tshepang Moremi’s goal deciding the game.
This Carling Knockout championship became the Buccaneers’ seventh trophy in four seasons. Former coach Jose Riveiro lifted three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups, while Ouaddou has won his second trophy in five months.
The Sea Robbers have also just tasted their first-ever Carling Knockout after crashing out in the quarterfinals in 2023 and the last 16 round in 2024.
Meanwhile, Pirates go into the Christmas and Afcon 2025 break sitting at the top of the Betway Premiership log with two points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns and a game in hand.
HOW THE TEAMS LINED UP
Pirates: Chaine, Lebitso, Mbokazi, Seema, Ndaba, Makhaula, Mbatha, Nemtajela, Appollis, Mofokeng, Makgopa.
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Dansin, Selepe, Mbule, Moremi, Mbuthuma
Gallants: Arubi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Nhlapho, Otladisa, Eroine, Mabuza, Ndlondlo, Ncube, Sithole, Bance.
Substitutes: Mlambo, James, Mabotja, Clifford, Luthuli, Mphambaniso, Msendami, Mhlongo, Motloung.