Mofokeng Fires Pirates To Carling Knockout Cup Glory With Extra-Time Winner
Relebohile Mofokeng scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Orlando Pirates lifted their second trophy in just four months, beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Mofokeng, who has had a quiet season by his standards, poked home in the first half of extra time after a tense 90 minutes ended goalless. The 21-year-old’s strike delivered Pirates their second piece of silverware this campaign, adding to the MTN8 title they won in September under coach Abdelsam Ouaddou.
Pirates End Long Carling Knockout Drought
The victory is significant for the Soweto giants, who had only won this competition once since 2000 — back in the 2011/12 season when they defeated Bidvest Wits at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In a twist of fate, Pirates met a Gallants team whose origins trace back to Wits’ sale of their PSL status in 2020, leading to the creation of TTM and later Marumo Gallants.
Early Chances at Both Ends
Pirates nearly took the lead inside the opening three minutes when Washington Arubi was dispossessed by Mofokeng. The loose ball fell kindly for Evidence Makgopa, but Marvin Sikhosana made a crucial goal-line clearance.
Moments later, Pirates returned the favour. Nkosikhona Ndaba’s misplaced header fell straight to Katlego Otladisa, who fired narrowly across goal.
Makgopa came close again on the stroke of halftime, his header from a Mofokeng corner tipped over by Arubi.
Tight Second Half Before Extra Time
Both sides made changes at the break. Pirates withdrew Makhehleni Makhaula, who was on a yellow card in his first start of the season, replacing him with Tshepang Moremi. Gallants introduced Daniel Msendami for Bheki Mabuza.
Chances remained scarce in what became one of the tightest Carling Knockout finals in recent memory. Moremi had a golden opportunity late in regulation time, lifting the ball over Arubi — only for the Gallants defence to clear off the line again.
Mofokeng Delivers in Extra Time
Just like in their MTN8 triumph, Pirates were pushed to extra time. And once again, they found the breakthrough when it mattered.
In the 105th minute, Mofokeng’s goal-bound effort deflected off Sikhosana’s attempted clearance and nestled into the net. It was remarkably his first goal of the season, and Pirates’ bench exploded in celebration, mobbing the young star.
Mofokeng was substituted before the second period of extra time as Pirates shut shop by bringing on Nkosinathi Sibisi.
A Winning Farewell for Mbekezeli Mbokazi
The final also marked the last match for defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who captained the side at kickoff. The 20-year-old is set to join Chicago Fire in MLS in January, following the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana between 21 December and 18 January.
Mbokazi delivered a composed performance, including a superb long pass to Makgopa that nearly led to a goal. Ending his Pirates spell with a trophy was the perfect farewell gesture to the club.
