It’s all or nothing at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening as Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants contest the highly-anticipated Carling Knockout Cup final.

All eyes will be locked on the FIFA World Cup 2010 venue in Polokwane as it serves as the backdrop for an epic conclusion to domestic competition in 2025.

It’s a highly-anticipated clash between two sides that have stepped on the winners’ podium in recent years as they head to the Limpopo capital looking to add one more piece of silverware to their collection.

Boasting a storied history, the Buccaneers now have another shot at a prize that has eluded them over the past decade.

They will need to leap over a significant hurdle in the form of a side that has completed a few giant-killing feats in high-stakes fixtures in just a handful of seasons as a top-flight outfit.

Decided by penalties

Marumo Gallants’ path to the final has not been devoid of drama with two of their three knockout fixtures decided by penalties.

They held Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw before prevailing in sudden death in the subsequent shootout in the first round.

Having caused the biggest upset in the opening game week, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa followed that result with a statement performance against 2022/23 champions Stellenbosch FC when they netted four unanswered goals in their only home game in this year’s competition.

A four-goal semi-final thriller away to Golden Arrows brought them back to the lottery of penalties, where they held their nerve once more to secure a spot in the final.

Their success in knockout football has been a contrast to their league form where they have won just one game since mid-August.

Across competitions, the Free State outfit has found the going tough on the road where their only outright win occurred on the opening week of the current season.

They have nonetheless displayed the grit required to navigate knockout football, ensuring that each of their previous away encounters go the distance before producing what’s required to outlast their opponents.

Bucs Team News

Orlando Pirates on the other hand have the opportunity to finish the year having collected both pieces of silverware available halfway through the season, while also perched at the top of the league standings.

A 10-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership with only two points dropped has ensured that the latter is guaranteed, while one more cup triumph will secure a dream start to what is still a long campaign.

They have proven clutch when it mattered throughout their run-in to the final, triumphing by tight margins in each of their three Carling Knockout fixtures.

A late Mbekezeli Mbokazi screamer handed them victory in the first round, where they produced a 1-0 win over Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium.

They then netted two second-half goals in a home quarter-final against Magesi FC, who struck late to force a nervy finish.

Having survived that, the Buccaneers prevailed in another close encounter, this time away to Richards Bay where a first-half strike from Tshepang Moremi proved to be the difference.

Now billed as hosts some distance away from their usual home base, the Soweto Giants have the biggest incentive to extend their impressive winning streak at home.

They go into the final having won each of their last 10 home games in all competitions – a figure that also includes another high-stakes fixture in the form of the MTN8 final.

They could miss the calm influence of the injured Sihle Nduli in midfield for one more fixture, but have enough firepower in the position from the likes of the experienced Makhehleni Makhaula who is hitting his stride after racking up valuable minutes following his spell on the sidelines.

Head-to-Head

There is currently nothing to separate Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants with regards to head-to-head results in knockout football.

They head into their biggest clash yet having met twice, with each side boasting one win so far.

Both fixtures were in the Nedbank Cup, where Bahlabane ba Ntwa claimed an upset with a 6-5 win on penalties in the Round of 16 back in 2022.

It took another three years for the Buccaneers to make amends for the shock result as they eliminated the Free State outfit in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 edition.

They have already met in the league this season where Marumo Gallants clinched a dramatic 2-1 win at home.

However, it’s Orlando Pirates who boast a positive win record overall with six wins in their 11 encounters across competitions.

The Soweto giants are unbeaten at home against Saturday’s opponents, having secured four victories back-to-back in the five games they have hosted.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 18:00 with live coverage on SuperSport PSL and SABC1.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

Prediction

Orlando Pirates 2-1 Marumo Gallants

Which team will be celebrating after the final whistle – or penalties – this evening?

Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …