Orlando Pirates are set to compete for their maiden Carling Knockout Cup title against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane on Saturday. The Buccaneers, already holders of the MTN-8 trophy, face a side with no prior topflight successes. This final marks Pirates' second cup appearance in less than five months.
The Carling Knockout Cup, which replaced the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2023, has yet to be claimed by Orlando Pirates despite their storied history in South African football. On Saturday, the team will challenge Marumo Gallants in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, aiming to end a two-year pursuit of the trophy.
Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi expressed enthusiasm ahead of the match. "It’s a cup final that has been eluding us for quite some time now," he said. "We are really looking forward to the game on Saturday, we know what we are coming up against Marumo Gallants, a very good side but the boys are well prepared."
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou acknowledged the tactical difficulties posed by their opponents. "It will be a tough game, we are playing with a team that is well organised," he noted. "They are very compact and difficult to find spaces, but we will make sure to try and find solutions in order to break this block."
Marumo Gallants, entering the final without any previous topflight silverware, represent an underdog story against the more decorated Pirates. This clash follows Pirates' recent progress in cup competitions, including their MTN-8 victory earlier in the season. The outcome could bolster Pirates' domestic dominance while providing Gallants a historic breakthrough.