The stage is set for the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup Final, which will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December. After an action-packed semifinal weekend, Orlando Pirates finally know who they will face in the highly anticipated final – Marumo Gallants.
The Buccaneers’ 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday secured their spot in yet another domestic final, marking their eighth appearance in the last ten local cup finals. Their consistency continues to underline their dominance in South African football.
On Sunday, all eyes turned to the King Zwelithini Stadium, where Golden Arrows hosted Marumo Gallants in the second semifinal. It was a tense and thrilling encounter that ended 2-2 after regular time, forcing the match into penalties. Gallants eventually triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, booking their ticket to Polokwane.
In regulation time, Isaac Cisse gave Arrows the lead before Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo equalized for Gallants two minutes later, assisted by Ibrahim Bance. Gallants then went ahead through a stunning strike from Sekela Sithole, who caught the Arrows goalkeeper off his line. However, the KZN outfit fought back once more, with Nqubeko Dlamini finding the net in the 70th minute to force penalties – where Gallants held their nerve to advance.
The final will see Abdeslam Ouaddou face his former side, Marumo Gallants, a team he previously failed to beat in the league after suffering a 2-1 defeat in Bloemfontein despite taking an early lead.
Speaking after Pirates’ semifinal win, Ouaddou expressed humility and focus ahead of the final:
“I think it’s too soon to summarize my time so far at Orlando Pirates – I’ll be judged at the end of the season,” said the coach.
“In this job, you have to be humble. Our ambition is to deliver a satisfactory performance in every game. The boys have been doing a fantastic job over the past few months, but it’s too early to reflect – we’ll stay humble and keep working.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos may not be as thrilled about Pirates’ deep cup run, as it could limit his access to key players for AFCON preparations in Morocco. Broos previously expressed his wish for some domestic clubs’ early exits to allow national team players more rest ahead of the continental tournament.
The 2025 Carling Knockout Final promises to be a thrilling showdown – Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants – under the bright lights of the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
