Mofokeng strike secures Carling Knockout glory for Pirates

Orlando Pirates claimed the Carling Knockout Cup after an absorbing and tightly contested final against Marumo Gallants, settled only in extra time by a decisive goal from Relebohile Mofokeng at the New Peter Mokoba Stadium in Polokwane.

The 1-0 victory delivered the fairytale send-off for departing defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and secured the Buccaneers their second piece of silverware this season.

First Half: Pirates Piling on the Pressure

The match started at a high tempo with both sides demonstrating early intent. Pirates immediately looked to capitalize on Marumo Gallants‘ errors, with Evidence Makgopa being denied a clear opportunity just three minutes in, his shot cleared off the line. Gallants responded moments later as Bheki Mabuza’s shot was blocked.

The first shot on target came in the 12th minute via Thalente Mbatha, whose trademark long-range strike forced the first save from Gallants’ veteran keeper Washington Arubi. Arubi quickly established himself as a wall, denying a close-range header from Makgopa (14′) and an effort from Oswin Appollis (16′).

The Buccaneers dominated possession and attacking chances throughout the half, with Makgopa having a close-range header saved by Arubi again in the 25th minute following a Relebohile Mofokeng cross. Gallants’ main threat often stemmed from defensive lapses by Pirates, notably one allowing former Pirate Katlego Otladisa a chance which went wide (14′). Despite numerous attempts, including efforts from Thabiso Lebitso, Masindi Nemtajela, and Lebone Seema, Pirates could not find the breakthrough, and the score remained 0-0 at the interval.

Second Half and Extra Time: The Breakthrough

The second half began with tactical changes, including Tshepang Moremi replacing Makhehlene Makhaula for Pirates, and Daniel Msendami replacing Bheki Mabuza for Gallants. The pace remained intense, leading to a flurry of fouls and bookings, including a yellow card for Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela. Pirates continued to test Arubi, while Gallants relied on the pace of Otladisa and Msendami on the counter. Despite late pressure and multiple substitutions from both benches (including Deon Hotto for Pirates), the stalemate continued through the 90 minutes.

With the deadlock unbroken, the final moved into extra time. The tension was palpable, but it was the Soweto Giants who finally found the decisive moment in the 104th minute.

A clinical move saw Relebohile Mofokeng fire a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the goal, giving Pirates the crucial 1-0 lead.

The goal energized Pirates, who subsequently brought on Nkosinathi Sibisi to shore up the defense. Gallants, fighting fiercely, introduced Katekani Mhlongo, but they could not find an equalizer, despite a late attempt from Jaisen Clifford narrowly missing.

The match ended 1-0 to Pirates, securing the Carling Knockout Cup trophy and providing a fittingly dramatic conclusion to their domestic campaign. Pirates registered 21 shots to Gallants’ 7, highlighting their relentless attacking pressure, ultimately making the difference against a resilient Gallants side heavily reliant on Arubi’s six saves.