Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants supporters have trips to set up.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has finally confirmed what many fans have been waiting for: the Carling Knockout final date and venue.
According to the PSL’s official statement, the event will be held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
CARLING KNOCKOUT FINAL: ORLANDO PIRATES VS MARUMO GALLANTS
For the mighty Sea Robbers, this marks a shot at a second trophy in five months under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who already lifted the MTN8 earlier this season with a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in September, after joining the club in July.
Additionally, Gallants are the very same team Ouaddou coached and rescued from relegation last season within 12 matches.
Orlando Pirates’ entry into the final was a narrow 1-0 win over Richards Bay in a tense semifinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium, thanks to Tshepang Moremi’s decisive goal. Gallants, who edged Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties after 2-2 draw, will be competing in their second cup final in three years. They lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022 Nedbank Cup, after a Peter Shalulile’s extra-time winner at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
RECENT MEETINGS
Gallants have reason to feel confident. The club known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have met and beaten Orlando Pirates this season, a 2–1 win at Orlando Stadium on matchday two of the Betway Premiership.
That match saw Patrick Maswanganyi open the scoring before Gallants hit back with goals from Daniel Msendami and Jaisen Clifford.
History, however, leans heavily in Orlando Pirates’ favour. In 11 previous meetings, the Buccaneers have six wins, Gallants three, and two draws, including last season’s unforgettable 8–1 hammering that remains the Sea Robbers’ biggest win ever.
Read more articles by Siseko Gwegwe here.