Orlando Pirates crowned Carling Knockout champions on Saturday evening after defeating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the extra-time at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The winning goal for the Buccaneers was scored in the first-half of the extra-time by Relebohile Mofokeng after the ball sneaked out past the stubborn Zimbabwean goal-stopper Washington Arubi and his solid backline.
Following last night victory, the Buccaneers managed to bag their second trophy in the 2025/26 season under the guidance of Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou who took over the reigns after the departure of Spanish guitar Jose Riveiro.
However, the journey to triumph for Pirates was not easy at all especially in the final because Bahlabane Ba Ntwa did not just travel to Polokwane to add numbers but they became an obstacle in the way of Soweto giants.
Gallants' defence including goalkeeper became the uphill for the Pirates strikers for the entire 90 minutes because managed to repel dangerous balls which were delivered by Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Masindi Nemtajela, Relebohile Mofokeng,Lebone Seema, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma and Sipho Mbule.
In the extra-time, Marumo Gallants turned out to be a monster after they conceded a goal and they were a thorns in the backline of Orlando Pirates as they were seeking an equaliser so that the game was going to end on penalties but unfortunately their aggressiveness failed to broke the morale of their opponent.
Last night victory for Buccaneers flushed out away the fourteen years curse of not winning that trophy.
Pirates is heading to the international break carrying its shoulders high with two trophies in their cabinet and is sitting on top of the Betway Premiership with 28 points in 12 games.