Orlando Pirates secured the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup, their second trophy of the season, thanks to a decisive extra-time goal from star player Relebohile Mofokeng against Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium. This victory marks the Buccaneers’ first-ever win in this competition.
Mofokeng Delivers First Carling Knockout Crown
The Orlando Pirates cemented their dominance in South African football by lifting the Carling Knockout Cup, adding a significant piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet.
- Decisive Moment: The Soweto giants battled a determined Marumo Gallants side, whose stubborn defense held tight for the full 90 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the second half of extra time, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring the winning goal to crown the Buccaneers as champions.
- A Season of Success: This Carling Knockout title is the second trophy the Pirates have won this season, following their earlier victory in the MTN8 back in September. It also contributes to an impressive haul of seven trophies in the last four seasons for the club.
- Maiden Victory: Importantly, this triumph marks Orlando Pirates’ first-ever Carling Knockout championship, having previously fallen short in the 2023 quarterfinals and the 2024 last 16 round.
The Road to the Final
The Buccaneers demonstrated grit and determination throughout the tournament campaign:
| Stage | Opponent | Venue | Result | Decisive Goal Scorer |
| Last 16 | Siwelele | Orlando Stadium | Win | Mbekezeli Mbokazi |
| Quarterfinal | Magesi | Orlando Stadium | 2-1 Win | N/A |
| Semifinal | Richards Bay | Moses Mabhida Stadium | 1-0 Win | Tshepang Moremi |
| Final | Marumo Gallants | Peter Mokaba Stadium | Win (Extra Time) | Relebohile Mofokeng |
Current Club Status
With the title secured, the Pirates head into the crucial Christmas and AFCON 2025 break on a high note, sitting atop the Betway Premiership log with a two-point lead and a game in hand over second-place Mamelodi Sundowns.
