One Win in Over 40 Years: Can Orlando Pirates break Carling Knockout hoodoo?

Orlando Pirates will contest their 10th Carling Knockout final on Saturday when they face Marumo Gallants in Polokwane.

Yet, despite their rich history, success in this competition has been rare, they have lifted the trophy only once since its inception in 1982.

Over the years, the Buccaneers have endured some painful upsets in the decider. Memorable shocks include defeats to Ajax Cape Town’s youthful side in 2000, Platinum Stars in 2013, and Baroka in 2018.

Pirates’ painful Carling Knockout journey

Their sole triumph came in 2011 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, where goals from Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Daine Klate, and Isaac Chansa secured a 3-1 win over BidVest Wits. Aside from that bright moment, the competition has largely been a tale of near misses.

Pirates’ struggles date back decades. They lost to Bush Bucks in 1987 and Mamelodi Sundowns in 1990, before falling to Wits again in 1995. The turn of the millennium brought more heartbreak: a 4-1 replay defeat to Ajax in 2000, followed by losses to Ajax in 2008 and bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in 2010.

After the 2011 success, the pattern resumed with shock defeats to Platinum Stars and Baroka. Why their conversion rate is so poor remains a mystery. In the PSL era alone, Pirates have advanced past the first round in 20 of 26 tournaments since 1996/97 (excluding the 2020-2022 hiatus). Yet, of their six finals in this period, only one ended in victory.

Here’s a snapshot of their PSL-era record:

•         Quarterfinal exits: 6 times (23%)

•         Semifinal exits: 8 times (31%)

•         Final appearances: 6 times (23%) — just one win

Overall, since 1996/97, Pirates have played 82 League Cup matches, winning 44, drawing 20, and losing 18. They’ve scored 131 goals and conceded 84.