Orlando Pirates clinched the Carling Knockout title on Saturday, edging Marumo Gallants 1–0 in a tense final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The victory ended a 14-year wait for League Cup glory and delivered the Buccaneers their second trophy of the 2025/26 season.
Pirates started strongly and nearly took the lead just three minutes in when Evidence Makgopa capitalised on a defensive error, only to see his effort cleared off the line. Thalente Mbatha later forced a save from goalkeeper Washington Arubi as the Soweto giants dominated the opening half but failed to convert their chances.
Arubi continued to frustrate Pirates after the break, denying substitute Tshepang Moremi and repeatedly keeping his side level as Gallants absorbed pressure. With the match locked at 0–0 after 90 minutes, the final moved into extra time.
The breakthrough finally came when Relebohile Mofokeng’s strike from inside the box created a scramble, with the ball crossing the line to hand Pirates a 1–0 lead. Gallants pushed for an equaliser and came close through Jason Clifford, but Pirates remained in control as Sipho Mbule and other substitutes tested Arubi in the closing stages.
The Buccaneers held firm in the dying moments to secure the title, wrapping up an impressive start to their season and heading into the festive break with another piece of silverware added to their cabinet.
