Orlando Pirates are once again cup finalists, their 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at Moses Mabhida sealed the Buccaneers’ spot in next month’s Carling Knockout final.
Tshepang Moremi’s 42nd-minute shot proved decisive, with the Sharpeville-born winger taking his season tally to eight goals.
CARLING KNOCKOUT: RICHARDS BAY 0-1 ORLANDO PIRATES
The result has now extended the Sea Robbers’ unbeaten run to four games in all competitions. This will be the Sea Robbers’ first-ever sailing into the Carling Knockout final, a stage they’ve been chasing since the tournament’s creation. In 2023/24, the dream crashed in the quarterfinals, and last season, it ended even earlier in the round of 16.
Today’s measured performance in Durban was undeniable. The club’s superstar defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, was awarded the Man of the Match gong, which was a slightly surprising call by the fans when you consider Oswin Appollis’ superb performance.
Moving ahead, Orlando Pirates will face the winning team in the second semifinal. Golden Arrows will host Marumo Gallants at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
HOW THE TWO TEAMS LINED UP
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Mcineka, Mntungwa, Mabua, Zulu, Mthembu, Zikhali, Thikazi, Mhango, Mutizwa.
Substitutes: Mtshali, Vilakazi, Zuke, Mangolo, Nzimande, Ndelu, Nombengula, Mahala, Ngema.
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndaba, Mbatha, Mbule, Nemtajela, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma.
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Seema, Lebitso, Hotto, Dansin, Kwayiba, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Makgopa.
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