Orlando Pirates have emphatically secured their second trophy of the season, clinching the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in an extra-time thriller at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. This triumph not only adds significant silverware to their cabinet but also ignites ambitious hopes for a historic treble, solidifying their reputation as the 'Cup Kings' of South African football.

The highly anticipated final on Saturday evening saw Orlando Pirates, wearing their classic black strip, battle a resilient Marumo Gallants side. Despite being the pre-match favourites, Pirates faced a challenging contest. They created numerous scoring opportunities in the initial 10 minutes, with Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Masindi Nemtajela all failing to convert. Gallants, having previously upset Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch on their way to the final, settled into a stubborn defensive posture that frustrated the Buccaneers throughout regular time. The deadlock was finally broken in the second half of extra time by Relebohile Mofokeng, whose decisive strike secured Pirates' first Carling Knockout title in 14 years and earned them a substantial R6.6 million prize.

Orlando Pirates' journey to the final showcased their dominance in cup competitions. Their Carling Knockout campaign began with a tight affair against Siwelele at Orlando Stadium, where Mbekezeli Mbokazi scored a crucial late goal. This was followed by a 2-1 victory over Magesi, securing their spot in the semi-finals. They then advanced to the final after a narrow 1-0 win against Richards Bay in a tense match at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Tshepang Moremi providing the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants' impressive run to the final included their notable elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch, underscoring their potential for an upset.

Ahead of the final, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye had controversially tipped Marumo Gallants to upset the Buccaneers. Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye argued that Pirates, despite their strong form and earlier MTN8 triumph, would be under immense pressure with the Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away. He suggested that Gallants, as underdogs, had nothing to lose and would be spurred on by their previous league win against Pirates and their success in eliminating top teams like Mamelodi Sundowns.

The victory was particularly emotional as it marked the final game for 20-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Serving as captain for the Buccaneers, Mbokazi played the full 120 minutes in the final match of his tenure before departing for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire after the Africa Cup of Nations. Having swiftly become a key player, Mbokazi secured two trophies with the Sea Robbers in less than a year with the first team. His emotional send-off saw him celebrate passionately with fans, who took to social media to pay tribute to a player many regard as one of the club’s best defenders in the past 30 years. Dignitaries, including Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, also extended their congratulations to the departing star.

This Carling Knockout championship is Orlando Pirates' seventh trophy in four seasons, reflecting a period of sustained success under coaches like Jose Riveiro, who previously lifted three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who arrived from Gallants just five months prior and famously saved them from relegation, has now secured his second trophy with Pirates. With two cups already in the bag, following their MTN8 victory over Stellenbosch in September at Mbombela Stadium, the Buccaneers' aspirations for a treble are incredibly strong. They currently lead the Betway Premiership log by two points, with a game in hand, positioning them as favourites to claim their first league title in 13 years. The club last achieved a historic treble in 2012, winning the MTN8, Telkom Knockout, and the league on the same day.

The starting line-ups for the 2025 Carling Knockout final were as follows: Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Lebitso, Mbokazi, Seema, Ndaba, Makhaula, Mbatha, Nemtajela, Appollis, Mofokeng, Makgopa. Substitutes included Buthelezi, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Dansin, Selepe, Mbule, Moremi, Mbuthuma. Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Nhlapho, Otladisa, Eroine, Mabuza, Ndlondlo, Ncube, Sithole, Bance. Substitutes included Mlambo, James, Mabotja, Clifford, Luthuli, Mphambaniso, Msendami, Mhlongo, Motloung.