Orlando Pirates further solidified their reputation as South Africa’s
premier cup specialists with a gritty Carling Knockout Cup triumph over
Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.
The victory extends a phenomenal run of success in knockout competitions.
Since 2020, the Buccaneers have now claimed eight domestic cups from just
ten final appearances—a staggering rate of silverware that has defined their
modern era. This five-year haul of eight trophies already exceeds the seven
cups they won over the preceding 24 years, underscoring a dramatic and
decisive shift in their cup-winning prowess.
The latest win also etched another historic milestone for the storied club.
It marked their 31st final in the PSL era, making Pirates the first team in
the competition’s history to reach and surpass 30 final appearances—a
testament to their enduring pedigree and remarkable consistency in knockout
football.
While league titles have often proven elusive, the Buccaneers have perfected
the art of cup competition. They have transformed high-pressure,
single-elimination football into a reliable formula for success, repeatedly
delivering when silverware is within reach. This sustained period of finals
and trophies has not only restored their identity as serial winners but has
also established a defining legacy for the current squad: a proven,
unmatched ability to conquer in the clutch.
