By Marcus Moloko
Orlando Pirates have underlined their dominance in South African football, clinching the Carling Knockout Cup with a hard‑fought 1 – 0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The Soweto giants left it late in extra time to produce the decisive touch in a marathon encounter, securing their second trophy of the 2025/26 season and ending a 14-year wait for League Cup glory.
It was in the added 30 minutes that Pirates finally broke through. Midfielder Sipho Mbule forced two saves off Arubi shortly after coming on, before Relebohile Mofokeng, who had been lively throughout, unleashed a shot from just inside the box. The effort forced a scramble, with the ball eventually sneaking over the line to give Pirates the lead.
Gallants pushed desperately for an equaliser, with Jason Clifford volleying wide from inside the box, but the Buccaneers held firm.
As the final whistle blew, Pirates celebrated a long-awaited triumph, adding a trophy that had eluded them since 2011 to their collection.
As the final whistle blew, Pirates celebrated another chapter in their history, with Mbekelezi Mbokazi bidding farewell before his move to Chicago Fire.
INSIDE POLITICS