Mbokazi’s farewell shot at history as Pirates face Gallants in Carling Knockout final
Orlando Pirates head into the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants with two big storylines colliding in Polokwane: an elusive trophy that has tormented the club for decades, and Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi’s likely last appearance before his move to MLS side Chicago Fire FC.
The 20-year-old centre-back, already an MTN8 winner this season, is expected to start – and could even wear the armband – at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (18:00 CAT). A Carling Knockout medal would be the perfect send-off for a player who has grown from academy graduate to vice-captain in less than a year.
From rookie to leader – Mbokazi’s rise
Mbokazi made his senior debut under José Riveiro in December 2024 and has become a defensive pillar under Abdeslam Ouaddou. Elevated to vice-captain and trusted to lead the side shortly before his 20th birthday, he now sits second only to goalkeeper Sipho Chaine for minutes played in all competitions this season.
With Ouaddou often preferring the pairing of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema, club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and fellow vice-captain Tapelo Xoki have had to battle from further down the pecking order. Sibisi did start alongside Mbokazi in the recent 2-0 win over Durban City, which stretched Pirates’ winning streak to four matches and clean sheets to three.
Pirates eye rare Carling Knockout success
Despite their cup pedigree, Pirates’ record in this competition is notoriously poor: nine finals, just one title (2011). The Buccaneers have also suffered painful defeats to so-called “smaller” sides, including Baroka (2018) and Platinum Stars (2013).
Winning on Saturday would not only give Mbokazi a dream farewell, it would also finally ease a long-running Carling Knockout curse.
Road to Polokwane
Orlando Pirates’ route to the final
Round of 16: Beat Siwelele 1–0
Quarter-final: Beat 2024 champions Magesi 2–1
Semi-final: Beat Richards Bay 1–0
Marumo Gallants’ route to the final
Round of 16: Held Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0, won on penalties
Quarter-final: Thrashed Stellenbosch 4–0
Semi-final: Drew 2–2 with Golden Arrows, won on penalties
If Saturday’s clash is level after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will again come into play – something Gallants have already mastered twice in this campaign.
Key match details
Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants – Carling Knockout final
Date: Saturday, 6 December
Kick-off: 18:00 CAT (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
TV: SuperSport PSL – DStv Channel 202
Team news – Maswanganyi banned, Mofokeng back
Pirates will be without creative talisman Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, who is suspended after collecting his fourth yellow card of the season against Durban City.
The big positive is the return to form of Relebohile Mofokeng. After a long injury lay-off and transfer speculation of his own – including links to MLS – the playmaker looked razor sharp in that Durban City win and is expected to carry much of Pirates’ attacking responsibility here.
For Gallants, the core that stunned Sundowns and demolished Stellies remains intact, with the likes of Daniel Msendami, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Katlego Otladisa all capable of punishing Pirates in transition.
Expected line-ups
Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1)
GK: Sipho Chaine
DEF: Nkosikhona Ndaba; Mbekezeli Mbokazi; Lebone Seema; Thabiso Lebitso
MID: Thalente Mbatha; Masindi Nemtajela
ATT MID: Oswin Appollis; Relebohile Mofokeng; Tshepang Moremi
ST: Evidence Makgopa
Marumo Gallants (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kagiso Mlambo
DEF: Lebogang Mabotja; Eroine Agnikoi; Sibusiso Sikhosana; Khumbulani Ncube
MID: Ibrahim Bancé; Siyabonga Nhlapo
ATT MID: Daniel Msendami; Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo; Katlego Otladisa
ST: Jaisen Clifford
Key stats
Pirates have won four games in a row in all competitions.
The Buccaneers have kept three consecutive clean sheets heading into the final.
Only Sipho Chaine (1851) has played more minutes than Mbokazi (1659) for Pirates in all competitions this season.
Carling Knockout – a cup that loves an underdog
The Carling Knockout (and its previous guises) has built a reputation for shock winners and wide-open competition:
Kaizer Chiefs remain the dominant force historically with 13 titles, though their last success came back in 2010.
Mamelodi Sundowns have four wins (1990, 1999, 2015, 2019) from nine finals.
Bidvest Wits (3 titles) and former heavyweights like Umtata Bush Bucks, Ajax Cape Town, Jomo Cosmos and Platinum Stars (all double winners) have all had their eras of dominance.
Cup fairytale stories include Baroka FC (2018), Stellenbosch FC (2023) and Magesi FC (2024), each lifting the trophy as underdogs.
Pirates, by contrast, have just one Carling Knockout crown (2011) despite nine final appearances – a record they are desperate to fix.
On Saturday in Polokwane, they face another potential banana skin in Gallants, the latest “giant-killer” dreaming of joining the list of surprise champions. For Mbokazi, it’s one last chance to etch his name into Buccaneers folklore before swapping the skull and crossbones of Orlando Pirates for the skyline of Chicago.