Pirates Overpower Carling All Stars To Lift Historic Carling Cup
Orlando Pirates once again underlined their dominance in the PSL, proving too strong for the Carling All Stars as they claimed a 2–0 victory in the Carling Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday — despite being without nine key players.
The Buccaneers, missing the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, and Nkosinathi Sibisi due to the Africa Cup of Nations, were still too powerful for the fan-selected All Stars side in Durban.
Already sitting top of the Betway Premiership table heading into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break, the Soweto giants became the first club team to win the Carling Cup after the All Stars had lifted the trophy in the previous two editions.
Pirates were boosted by the return of Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane to the starting line-up. Ndah had been sidelined since suffering an injury against Polokwane City in September last year, while Sesane ruptured his Achilles tendon during a win over Sekhukhune United in February.
Their return could not have come at a better time, with Pirates set to lose Mbokazi to MLS side Chicago Fire after AFCON. The defender was absent from the match as he is currently with the Bafana Bafana squad preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for a flat back three – Ndah, Sesane, and Lebone Seema, who has been a regular figure at the heart of Pirates’ defence this season.
The Carling All Stars featured a number of high-profile names, including Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Mfundo Vilakazi, Naledi Hlongwane, Mamelodi Sundowns stars Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales, as well as Marumo Gallants attacker Phillip Ndlondlo, who had suffered Carling Knockout Cup final heartbreak against Pirates just a week earlier.
Vilakazi had a first-half penalty appeal waved away after a challenge from Makhehleni Makhaula, with the referee instead booking the youngster for simulation after judging the contact to be minimal.
The All Stars matched Pirates for long spells, closing down space effectively and limiting clear-cut chances. Yanela Mbuthuma was withdrawn at the break and replaced by Boitumelo Radiopane as Pirates looked to add more urgency in attack.
The fan-selected side grew in confidence after the interval, pinning Pirates in their own half and forcing several blocked shots. In search of more creativity, Sundowns attacker Nuno Santos was introduced, replacing Vilakazi.
The change nearly paid off when Santos’ free kick fell kindly for Mdu Shabalala, but the Kaizer Chiefs attacker’s goal-bound effort was deflected off Lebone Seema for a corner.
Against the run of play, Pirates broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Sifiso Luthuli timed his run perfectly, clipping the ball over Naphtali Mokoena after meeting a superbly weighted pass from Deon Hotto.
The goal ignited the Durban crowd, with every Pirates attack thereafter greeted by loud cheers at the iconic venue.
Pirates sealed the victory in style with a stunning second goal. Radiopane burst through midfield, surged forward and calmly fired into the bottom corner, leaving Mokoena sprawled as the Buccaneers marched to Carling Cup glory.
