Marumo are eyeing what would be only the club’s second-ever major trophy. Their first taste of glory came in 2020/21 when, playing under the Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) banner, they famously lifted the Nedbank Cup after edging Chippa United 1–0 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Back then, the club still called Polokwane home before later relocating to Bloemfontein - making this weekend’s final something of a homecoming.

The former Orlando Pirates player, Phillip Ndlondlo, has been declared fit for the final - Morgan Piek

The Buccaneers will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, but Marumo’s route to the final has been nothing short of impressive. Along the way they toppled Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Golden Arrows - three sides with serious pedigree.

Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, are top of the PSL standings and have shown major improvement under former Marumo mentor, Abdes Ouaddou, who took charge at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.

Captain and veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi told OFM Sport that the mood in camp is upbeat and determined.

“Yes, it’s an interesting week for us with the work we have to do,” said Arubi.

“You can already see the guys working hard for the final. The pressure is always there, but we just have to focus on ourselves and prepare properly to make sure we come out with a good result.”

He stressed the importance of looking ahead, not back and rather focusing on the 90 minutes that lie ahead.

“We’re not going to think about what happened before - that’s water under the bridge. We just have to focus on the first 90 minutes. It’s a totally different game because it’s a cup final.”

Marumo Gallants are sweating over the fitness of striker Jaisen Clifford after he sustained an ankle injury against Magesi FC on Sunday - Morgan Piek

With Pirates coming in as favourites, Arubi believes Marumo’s underdog tag could be used to their advantage.

“We’re the underdogs, and we’ll try to take advantage of that. We’re playing against a big team, so we must calm our nerves and do what we’re supposed to do.”

The final sold out in under 24 hours, setting the stage for an electric atmosphere at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. While that could rattle some teams, Arubi says it fires him up even more.

Washington Arubi has been sensational in the penalty shootouts during Marumo's campaign - Morgan Piek

“For me, as an individual, it’s a motivation - you’re playing against the odds,” said the 40-year-old skipper.

“With the guys, I just try to talk to them and help them calm down. There will be times when they’re on top of us, and that’s when we have to control our emotions and make sure we use any chance we get to penetrate and try to score.”

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated final between the Sea Robbers and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium will kick off at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport