Orlando Pirates punched their ticket to the Carling Knockout Cup final with a tense 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Tshepang Moremi’s 42nd-minute strike — a clinical finish off a perfectly weighted long ball from Oswin Appollis — was the difference in a match defined by grit, not goals. The Buccaneers, despite their storied history, remain haunted by their record in finals: ten appearances, just one title. This time, they’re determined to break the curse.
A Goal That Changed Everything
Moremi, who’s now been called up to Bafana Bafana after a blistering run of form, didn’t just score — he delivered. The 24-year-old striker received the ball near the left post, took one touch to steady himself, and curled it low past Richards Bay’s goalkeeper. It was the kind of moment that defines knockout football. His sixth goal of the 2024/25 season across all competitions made him the Pirates’ most reliable finisher in the cup run. The assist from Appollis, a dynamic left-back turned attacking outlet, was textbook: a 40-yard diagonal that split two defenders and landed exactly where Moremi needed it.
Richards Bay, for all their underdog spirit, couldn’t find a way through. Their defense held firm for long stretches, but their attack lacked the final touch. Goalkeeper Thabo Mokoena made three vital saves, including a fingertip stop on a close-range header from Sipho Mokoena in the 67th minute. Yet, when you’re playing against a side with Pirates’ pedigree, one mistake is all it takes.
A Curious Path to the Final
Richards Bay’s journey to this semi-final was as unusual as it was impressive. All nine of their Carling Knockout matches to date have been played at their home ground in Richards Bay — a quirk of the tournament draw that’s baffled fans and analysts alike. They’ve reached the semi-finals three years running: losing 3-0 to Stellenbosch FC in 2023, then 1-0 to Magesi FC last year. This time, they came closer than ever — but still fell short.
Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, have been here before — ten times. They last won the trophy in 2011 against Bidvest Wits, and since then, they’ve lost finals in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. The pattern is clear: they get there, they play well, but they don’t always close the deal. That’s why the mood inside the stadium wasn’t pure celebration — it was cautious optimism. Fans know better than to count chickens before the final whistle.
What’s Next? The Final Looms
The winner of Sunday’s second semi-final — between Lamontville Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants — will face Pirates in the final. The match is expected to be played in late November or early December 2025, though the Premier Soccer League has yet to confirm the date. That uncertainty is frustrating for clubs and fans alike, but it’s not unusual in South African football’s congested calendar.
There’s irony here: Pirates are already deep into the MTN8 Final, scheduled for September 13, 2025, at Mbombela Stadium — a date that precedes this semi-final. That scheduling anomaly suggests a calendar error or possible reorganization, but the PSL has not clarified whether the MTN8 fixture was moved or misreported. For now, the focus is on the Carling Knockout, the only domestic cup with a direct route to continental qualification.
Why This Matters
The Carling Knockout Cup, while often overshadowed by the DStv Premiership and Nedbank Cup, remains a vital platform for smaller clubs like Richards Bay to prove they belong. For Pirates, it’s a chance to end their final hoodoo — and for Moremi, it’s a stage to cement his place in national team conversations. His rise mirrors a broader trend: young South African forwards, once overlooked, are now stepping up when it matters most.
Coaches on both sides acknowledged the pressure. Richards Bay’s head coach, Sipho Nkosi, said after the match: "We gave everything. We believed. But in these games, you need that one moment of brilliance — and they had it." Pirates’ coach, Milutin Sredojević, was more measured: "We’ve been here before. We know what’s coming. The final isn’t won in November. It’s won in preparation. And we’ve got work to do."
Historical Context: Pirates’ Final Curse
Since their 2011 triumph, Orlando Pirates have reached five Carling Knockout finals — losing each time. In 2017, they were edged 2-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns after conceding in stoppage time. In 2019, they lost 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in a match where they dominated possession but couldn’t convert. The 2022 final against Cape Town City ended in a 3-2 heartbreaker after a late own goal. These aren’t flukes. They’re patterns. And they weigh on the squad.
What’s different this time? Moremi’s confidence. The midfield’s discipline. And a squad that’s been reshaped by smart signings and youth integration. The club’s academy graduates — including Appollis and Moremi — are now leading the charge. That’s a sign of sustainable progress, not just flash-in-the-pan success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect Orlando Pirates’ chances in continental competitions?
Winning the Carling Knockout Cup would secure Orlando Pirates a spot in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup, giving them a second continental campaign this season alongside their MTN8 run. Historically, Pirates have struggled to balance multiple competitions, but a strong cup run could boost morale and attract sponsor interest ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Why has Richards Bay played all their Carling Knockout matches at home?
The Premier Soccer League’s draw system for the Carling Knockout Cup has, by chance, placed Richards Bay as the designated home team in every tie they’ve played since entering the tournament in 2020. It’s a statistical oddity — not a rule — and has given them a home-field advantage they’ve leveraged to reach three straight semi-finals despite limited resources.
What’s the significance of Tshepang Moremi’s Bafana Bafana call-up?
Moremi’s selection comes after scoring six goals in 11 appearances this season, making him the only player from a non-top-six league side to be called up in 2025. His performance against Richards Bay — a player from a smaller club delivering under pressure — is exactly what national coach Hugo Broos has been seeking: raw talent, not just pedigree.
Has any team won the Carling Knockout Cup after losing their previous final?
Yes. Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2018 Carling Knockout Cup after losing the 2017 final to Pirates. That turnaround took better squad depth and tactical adjustments. Pirates’ coaching staff are studying that exact blueprint — using last year’s losses as motivation, not a burden.
When will the final be played, and where?
The final is expected between November 28 and December 6, 2025, likely at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, as it has hosted the last five finals. The Premier Soccer League has not confirmed the date yet, but logistical planning is already underway. A weekend date is almost certain to maximize attendance and TV viewership.
What’s the bigger picture for South African football with this cup?
The Carling Knockout Cup has become a lifeline for mid-table clubs to compete on a national stage, while also serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. With 12 of the 16 teams in this year’s tournament having academy graduates on the pitch, it’s clear the competition is driving youth development — something the PSL has quietly prioritized since 2022.