Mofokeng Fires Pirates to Carling Knockout Glory

Orlando Pirates were crowned Carling Knockout champions on Saturday, 6 December, after a tense 1-0 extra-time victory over Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.

This triumph secured their second piece of silverware for the 2025/26 season, adding to their earlier MTN8 success.

The final was defined by Pirates’ relentless dominance countered by the Gallants’ stubborn defence and the exceptional goalkeeping of Washington Arubi, who frustrated the Buccaneers throughout the initial 90 minutes.

The decisive moment arrived in the 104th minute. Gifted 20-year-old attacking midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng scored the crucial goal, capitalising on chaos in the goalmouth following a scramble to prod the ball over the line.

The win is a major boost for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou early in his tenure and provided a fitting send-off for captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

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