Orlando Pirates are pursuing the one trophy that has eluded them the longest.
Having already secured their fourth consecutive MTN8 trophy, the Buccaneers now set their sights on the Carling Knockout Cup. The last time the Soweto giants won the Carling KO was in 2011, when it was still known as the Telkom Knockout.
In the past five years, Orlando Pirates have claimed seven trophies under three different coaches, yet they have not reached the final of the Carling KO since 2018, when they were defeated by Baroka FC.
It is clear that if there is a domestic cup the Sea Robbers want to win this season, it is the Carling Knockout. Their historical record in this competition has been disappointing, having lost eight of the nine finals they have reached. Historically, whenever they face Pirates in the final of the Carling KO, the opposing team is considered the favourite.
Who will Orlando Pirates face next?
The Buccaneers will host Siwelele FC in the first round of the Carling KO on Saturday afternoon at the Orlando Stadium. The two teams previously met in the Betway Premiership, where Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Coming into this match, Pirates are on a seven-game winning streak and are heavy favourites to advance to the last eight of the competition. However, last season, the Buccaneers were eliminated in the first round after losing to Magesi FC, who went on to win the competition by upsetting Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final.
To avoid another upset, Orlando Pirates will need to perform at their best. The last time they won the Carling KO, they went on to become Betway Premiership champions. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.