Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Carling Knockout Cup final after defeating Richards Bay over the weekend.
Having already lifted the MTN8 title this season, a second trophy beckons for Abdeslam Ouaddou in his opening five months at the club.
The Buccaneers earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on saturday afternoon. Tshepang Moremi’s first-half strike was enough to seal the victory on the day.
Orlando Pirates accused of time-wasting
Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel believes his side pushed Orlando Pirates to their limits.
In fact, he went as far as claiming the Buccaneers were forced into a dark hole at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Unlike their usual self, Pirates were forced to use dark tactics like wasting time to get the job done.
“I mean, when last did you see Orlando Pirates time-wasting, delaying tactics, goalkeeper getting a yellow-card for delaying the game?” Gabriel said as quoted by Kick-Off.
“It shows that they were under serious pressure for majority periods of the second half. So, commendable effort by the group. It just that we couldn’t end up victorious we disappointed with that and we will take this form into the league.”
Bucs to face Gallants in the final
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will put their grueling semi-final behind them. Next up is a blockbuster final clash against Marumo Gallants.
Orlando Pirates and Gallants are set to meet at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 06 December 2025.
The Buccaneers last won the league-cup all the way back in 2011. Surprisingly, they’ve only won the tournament once in their history. Rivals Kaizer Chiefs have won it 13 times, and Mamelodi Sundowns have won it four times.