Orlando Pirates sink Richards Bay to reach Carling Knockout final

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Orlando Pirates sink Richards Bay to reach Carling Knockout final

Orlando Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The win propels the Soweto giants into their second domestic cup final in just three months.

Moremi Strike Sends Pirates to Another Final

The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Tshepang Moremi latched onto a precise long ball from Oswin Appollis and fired a low shot past Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

The goal proved enough to seal the win and book Pirates’ place in the Carling Knockout final.

Dominant Display from the Sea Robbers

Pirates dominated early proceedings, creating multiple chances through Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Appollis. Despite their pressure, Richards Bay’s defense held firm until Moremi’s breakthrough just before halftime.

Richards Bay, chasing their first-ever cup final appearance in their eight-year history, came close to equalizing early in the second half when Lundi Mahala fired narrowly wide.

However, Pirates continued to control the tempo, with Moremi and Thalente Mbatha both testing Otieno again.

Match Summary

  • Final Score: Richards Bay 0–1 Orlando Pirates
  • Goal: Moremi (42’)
  • Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
  • Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

At the end of the 90 minutes, they had done just enough to get into the final where they will play either Golden Arrows or Marumo Gallants who will play in the second semi-final on Sunday.

Pirates have now won the MTN8, are in the Carling Knockout's last hurdle, and pushing for the Premier Soccer League where they are currently second, three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns

Starting Lineups

Richards Bay XI: Otieno, Mabuya, Mcineka, Mabua, Mntungwa, Zikhali, Mthembu (Ngema 83’), Zulu, Thikazi (Mbulelo 34’), Mhango (Mahala 46’), Mutizwa

Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, van Rooyen (Lebitso 58’), Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndaba (Hotto 68’), Mbule (Mofokeng 58’), Mbatha, Nemtajela (Dansin 76’), Appollis, Mbuthuma (Kwayiba 68’), Moremi

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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