By Marcus Moloko
Orlando Pirates secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup final with a convincing 1 – 0 victory over Richards Bay FC on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The match played in front of a sold-out crowd saw Tshepang Moremi emerge as Pirates’ protagonist, scoring the only goal of the game in the first half to seal the Buccaneers’ passage into the final.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi nearly opened the scoring with a header from an Oswin Appollis corner, while Sipho Mbule tested Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno with a long-range effort.
Pirates’ breakthrough came when Moremi capitalized on a defensive lapse, calmly slotting home to give the Buccaneers a deserved lead before halftime.
Richards Bay, affectionately known as the Natal Rich Boys, battled to even the score. Despite their spirited second-half effort, they failed to breach the Pirates’ defense.
The win marks Orlando Pirates’ tenth cup final appearance in five seasons, reinforcing their status as one of the country’s most consistent performers.
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