Soccer
Pirates cruise into Carling Knockout Cup final─── MORGAN PIEK 08:41 Sun, 09 Nov 2025
Orlando Pirates secured their place in the Carling Knockout final by defeating Richards Bay 1-0 in a dominant semi-final performance at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The decisive goal came in the 42nd minute from Tshepang Moremi. This victory propels head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side to their second major final in three months, following their MTN 8 title win in September.
The match carried significant stakes for both clubs. Richards Bay, in their eight-year history, were aiming for their inaugural cup final appearance. Conversely, the Soweto giants were seeking a remarkable ninth final in six years, a period during which they had secured seven trophies.
The Sea Robbers controlled the opening proceedings in Durban, immediately applying pressure and forcing a sequence of early corners. Richards Bay generated their first significant chance in six minutes, as Mbekezile Mbokazi narrowly headed wide from the final set-piece.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) November 8, 2025
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Pirates continued to press their advantage. Sipho Mbule’s 12th-minute strike and Yanela Mbuthuma’s effort on 18 minutes both required saves from Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Mbuthuma threatened again shortly after, latching onto Mbule’s cross only to poke the ball just wide. Oswin Appollis also tested Otieno late in the half following an incisive central run.
The breakthrough materialised in the 42nd minute. Appollis delivered a precise long ball to Moremi, who controlled the pass before driving his shot across Otieno and into the bottom right corner of the net.
Richards Bay, managed by Ronnie Gabriel, offered limited offensive threat throughout the contest. However, they almost restored parity immediately after the restart when Lundi Mahala narrowly flashed a shot wide of the post.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) November 8, 2025
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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou reacting to their win against Richards Bay!#SABCSportFootball #CarlingKnockout pic.twitter.com/5wLUCIamqU
Pirates maintained their pursuit of an insurance goal. Moremi miscued an effort from the edge of the box on 52 minutes, and moments later, Otieno efficiently denied Thalente Mbatha’s long-range attempt. With eleven minutes remaining, Otieno was called upon again, producing a superb full-stretch save to thwart Moremi from securing a brace after the striker was played into space.
The Buccaneers successfully managed the clock to confirm the 1-0 result and their progression to the final. They will face the winner between Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein’s Marumo Gallants in the final.
Sunday’s semi-final between Arrow and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban will kick off at 15:00.
