Pirates, Gallants look to cap off 2025 with CKO glory

Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants will battle it out in the final of the 2025 Carling Knockout at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, Peter Mokaba Stadium, in Polokwane on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Pirates are the favourites coming into this match due to their cup pedigree and current form, having stretched their winning streak to four matches across all competitions when they claimed a 2-0 victory over Durban City on 29 November.

The Buccaneers are now bidding to complete a cup double in the current season by winning the Carling Knockout trophy, just three months after being crowned MTN8 champions for the fourth time in a row following a win over Stellenbosch FC in the final in September.

Gallants, on the other hand, are winless in their last five matches across all competitions in regulation time following their 1-1 draw with Magesi FC on 30 November and they reached the final after defeating Golden Arrows on penalties on 9 November.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are heading into their second major cup final, having lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022 Nedbank Cup final and they are now hoping to clinch their maiden trophy by stunning a much-fancied Pirates side.

TEAM NEWS

Thabiso Sesane and Tapelo Xoli are the two players on Orlando Pirates' injury list at the moment, and the Soweto giants have also been dealt a blow as Patrick Maswanganyi is unavailable for selection due to a one-match suspension.

Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants have no suspension worries, but the Free State-based side are monitoring Jaisen Clifford and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo after they picked up injuries during last weekend's match against Magesi.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Marumo Gallants head coach Alexander Lafitte:

“If you want to win any cup, you must be able to beat all big teams. We managed to eliminate some big teams like Sundowns, Stellenbosch and Arrows to reach the final," Lafitte said.

"We have shown that we can do it. Pirates pose a big challenge, as they are a very good team and a very important team in this country and in Africa. But we believe we can give it a good fight and win this final.”

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲

We opened our doors to the media this morning ahead of Saturday’s #CarlingKnockout Final

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/sslEBn3quy — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 2, 2025

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi:

“We know what we are coming up against, a very good side in Marumo Gallants, but the boys are prepared for the game. It’s quite a unique feeling to play in front of packed stadiums, probably every week we play," Sibisi said.

"For us, it is always nice whenever we have our 12th man there to give us that push, and I think the boys have not disappointed. It’s the festive season now, [a] time of gifting, and this one is for them. If we can get this one, it will be a gift from us to them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates: The explosive winger has been excelling in his role as an impact player coming from the bench, having scored against Chippa United, before grabbing an assist in the win over Durban City after coming on as a substitute.

Katlego Otladisa, Marumo Gallants: The ex-Pirates winger could haunt his former employers, having produced a Man of the Match performance against Magesi as he continued his good form, which has seen him register three assists in his last seven matches.

Rea batsena ko Polokwane for the #CarlingKnockout final, akere? Your boys are locked in and ready for the showdown. Ditlo buya! 🔥🏆

Using #CarlingKnockout, QT the player you’re most excited to see at the New Peter Mokaba 🏟️ and I might surprise you in the DMs. 🍺 pic.twitter.com/tL5Pl3ia3D — Carling Black Label ᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@blacklabelsa) December 2, 2025

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2021/22 Nedbank Cup, R16 Gallants 1-1* Pirates Ndlondlo (pen); Shandu

2024/25 Nedbank Cup, SF Pirates 1-0 Gallants Dlamini

*After extra time, Gallants won on penalties

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 2 1 1 0 2 1

Gallants 2 0 1 1 1 2

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Gallants 0-0 Pirates

2021/22 Pirates 2-1 Gallants Peprah 2; Ntshangase

2022/23 Pirates 1-0 Gallants Mako

2022/23 Gallants 0-2 Pirates Saleng, Ndlondlo (pen)

2024/25 Pirates 8-1 Gallants Nthatheni (og), Mabasa 3, Van Rooyen, Mbatha 2, Radiopane (pen); Mhango

2024/25 Gallants 2-0 Pirates Mhango, Mbatha (og)

2025/26 Gallants 2-1 Pirates Msendami, Clifford; Maswanganyi

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 9 5 2 2 16 7

Gallants 9 2 2 5 7 16