Mofokeng’s extra-time magic crowns Orlando Pirates Carling Knockout Cup kings

Orlando Pirates 1 (0) Mofokeng 104’

Marumo Gallants 0 (0)

Relebohile Mofokeng wrote his name into Orlando Pirates folklore on Saturday night, scoring an extra-time winner that delivered the Buccaneers their first-ever Carling Knockout Cup title and sealed a triumphant end to 2025.

The gifted 20-year-old reacted quickest in a chaotic goalmouth scramble in the 104th minute, poking home from close range after confusion between goalkeeper Washington Arubi and his defenders left the net unguarded.

It was a composed finish in a final dripping with tension, and one that ensured Pirates closed out the year with a second trophy, adding to the MTN8 triumph secured just two months earlier.

For head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, only four months into the job, it represented a perfect early milestone — silverware on the board, momentum building and a team showing clearer tactical discipline with every outing.

The sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium had arrived expecting a performance worthy of Pirates’ stature, and while the outcome delivered joy, the journey to get there demanded grit, patience and emotional endurance.

Marumo Gallants, fearless and strategically stubborn, embraced their role as disruptors from the outset. The occasion carried added weight as it marked the farewell of young centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, whose every touch drew applause from supporters who have celebrated his rapid rise through the club’s system.

Pirates nearly seized control inside five minutes when Arubi miscontrolled a back pass, gifting Evidence Makgopa a free strike.

The ball beat the goalkeeper but not Marvin Skhosana, who sprinted back to hook it off the line — a moment that summed up Gallants’ desperation and defiance. It set the tone for a first half dominated by Pirates but littered with missed chances.

Makgopa bullied the Gallants backline all evening, while Mofokeng forced a sharp save from Arubi before the break. Yet dominance lacked precision, and frustration crept into Pirates’ play as the half wore on. Gallants, meanwhile, absorbed pressure, tightened their lines and slowly grew into the contest.

After halftime, Ouaddou introduced Tshepang Moremi for greater attacking fluency, while Alexandre Lafitte responded with Daniel Msendami to stretch Pirates on transition. The result was a cagey second period, with territory going to Pirates but meaningful opportunities evaporating as Gallants’ deep block held firm.

As the final 10 minutes approached, tension inside the stadium became palpable. Pirates threw bodies forward, won a flurry of corners and bombarded the box — but Gallants refused to break, forcing extra time.

Then came Mofokeng’s moment. One loose ball, one instinctive finish, and one long-awaited trophy finally wrestled into Pirates’ hands after years of near misses in this competition. The Buccaneers were made to labour, suffer and sweat — but in the end, they delivered when it mattered most.