Khoza: Carling Knockout Has Been Eluding Us
Orlando Pirates director Mpume Khoza expressed his delight after the Buccaneers sealed a thrilling Carling Knockout triumph over Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The win marked the club’s second Carling Knockout title, having last won it 13 seasons ago in the 2011/12 season. Interestingly, that season was a remarkable one for Pirates as they won a treble, claiming the league, MTN8, and Carling Knockout titles.
This season’s Carling Knockout win is a significant milestone for the club, having reached the finals 10 times and only winning it once before.
“This one has been eluding us over the years. We’ve gone into these finals 10 times and only won it once,” Khoza said on SuperSport TV after the game.
“This is the second time, so this is really for the supporters. We also obviously want to improve the history, and we’ve managed to do it tonight.
“I think more interestingly is about having a more proud South African team.
“So, for us, is just to continue exposing the youngsters to tough competitions. I hope they can take the opportunities, and what comes next, I think we can only promise hard work throughout.”
The Buccaneers sealed the victory in extra time through a stunning goal from Relebohile Mofokeng, the reigning Betway Premiership young player of the season.
This was Mofokeng’s third goal in a final for Pirates, having scored in the Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2023/24 season and the MTN8 final triumph against Stellenbosch last term.
The Buccaneers’ supporters were out in numbers to support their team in Polokwane, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
“The fans are something else, especially,” Khoza added.
“If you see the banners that show goodbye to Mbekezeli Mbokazi (as he is leaving for the MLS team Chicago), it just shows how involved our supporter bases are, and how much they love the club.
“For them coming out to Polokwane in numbers, I think we are lost for words, but it’s just amazing, and we hope we can continue making our supporters proud.”
The win sets the stage for a potential treble for Pirates, having already won the MTN8 title and currently leading the Betway Premiership log.
The Buccaneers will now face the Carling All Stars team in the Carling Black Label Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next weekend. After this game, nine Pirates players will join Bafana Bafana for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco.
