Pirates Clinch Carling Knockout Cup as Mofokeng Strikes in Extra Time
Orlando Pirates sealed their second trophy of the season after grinding out a 1-0 extra-time victory over Marumo Gallants in the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The Betway Premiership log leaders—already MTN8 champions earlier this season—needed 105 tense minutes to finally break down a stubborn Gallants side. The breakthrough arrived moments before the end of the first half of extra time when Relebohile Mofokeng’s driven effort forced a defensive ricochet, allowing Yanela Mbuthuma to poke home on the line.
The goal—claimed amid confusion between Mofokeng and Mbuthuma—proved decisive as the Buccaneers lifted the Carling Knockout for the first time since 2011, completing a rare cup double before the turn of the year.
Mbokazi’s Perfect Farewell
Captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, making his final appearance before joining Chicago Fire in MLS, bowed out in fitting style—lifting a second trophy in three months. His leadership proved crucial in a bruising contest where Gallants sat deep and asked Pirates to break them down.
A Cagey Final That Needed 120 Minutes
Pirates set the tone early, with Evidence Makgopa nearly scoring inside four minutes after pouncing on Washington Arubi’s hesitation—only for Marvin Sikhosana to clear off the line.
Chances flowed as Mbatha, Appollis, Nemtajela, and Mofokeng all forced saves or missed narrowly before the break. Gallants, as expected, tightened up in the second half, successfully slowing the game while offering little attacking intent.
Pirates pushed harder in extra time. Arubi kept out Hotto and Mbule, but the resistance finally crumbled:
105th Minute – The Moment
Hotto’s cut-back fell loose after a partial clearance
Mofokeng hit a low strike
Sikhosana’s attempted block sent the ball awkwardly downward
Mbuthuma reacted quickest, tapping in on the line
The Buccaneers then managed the game expertly to secure yet another knockout triumph under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Recent Cup Dominance
This Carling Knockout triumph adds to Pirates’ incredible cup run in recent seasons:
MTN8 champions 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Nedbank Cup champions 2023, 2024
Carling Knockout champions 2025
Seven knockout trophies in less than four seasons—true dominance.
Match Summary
Orlando Pirates (0) 1
Marumo Gallants (0) 0
Goal: Mbuthuma 105’ (deflection off Mofokeng’s strike)
Orlando Pirates XI:
S. Chaine, T. Lebitso, L. Seema, M. Mbokazi, N. Ndaba (Hotto 59′), Mbatha (Mbule 83′), Makhaula (Moremi 46′), Nemtajela, Appollis (Dansin 100′), Makgopa (Mbuthuma 64′), Mofokeng (Sibisi 105′)
Marumo Gallants XI:
Arubi, K. Ncube, Agnikoi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Sithole (Mpambaniso 82′), Nhlapo, Bance (Mhlongo 112′), Mabuza (Msendami 46′), Otladisa (Motloung 105′), Ndlondlo (Clifford 105′)