Pirates vs Gallants: Full Preview, Key Quotes, Players to Watch & Broadcast Details

Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants are set for a thrilling showdown in the 2025 Carling Knockout final at the iconic Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Kick-off: 18:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2) live on SABC Sport and SuperSport channel 202.

Current Form

Pirates head into the clash as favourites thanks to their impressive cup pedigree and red-hot form. The Buccaneers extended their winning streak to four matches across all competitions with a 2-0 victory over Durban City on 29 November. They now aim to complete a domestic cup double, just three months after lifting the MTN8 trophy for a record fourth consecutive time following their triumph over Stellenbosch FC in September.

Gallants, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, going winless in their last five matches in regulation time. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw with Magesi FC on 30 November. However, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa booked their spot in the final by edging Golden Arrows on penalties on 9 November. This marks their second major cup final after losing to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022 Nedbank Cup decider, and they’ll be desperate to claim a historic first trophy by upsetting the favourites.

𝗢𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼𝘂: ‘𝗜’𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵’

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is the "happiest coach" as he chases his second trophy with the club. The Buccaneers face his former club Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup Final on Saturday at… pic.twitter.com/hxySZWPDBy
— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) December 4, 2025

Team News

Pirates will be without Thabiso Sesane and Tapelo Xoli due to injury, while Patrick Maswanganyi misses out through suspension.
Gallants have no suspensions but are sweating over the fitness of Jaisen Clifford and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo after knocks in their last match.

What They Said

Alexander Lafitte (Gallants coach):
“If you want to win any cup, you must beat the big teams. We’ve already eliminated Sundowns, Stellenbosch, and Arrows to get here. Pirates are a massive challenge, they’re one of the biggest clubs in Africa but we believe we can fight and win this final.”

Nkosinathi Sibisi (Pirates captain):
“We know Gallants are a good side, but we’re prepared. Playing in front of packed stadiums every week is special, and this one is for our fans. It’s the festive season—a time for giving and winning this trophy would be the perfect gift.”

Players to Watch

Oswin Appollis (Pirates): The dynamic winger has made a big impact off the bench, scoring against Chippa United and providing an assist in the win over Durban City.
Katlego Otladisa (Gallants): The former Pirates man could haunt his old club. He starred against Magesi and has three assists in his last seven games.