Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday to reach the quarter-final of the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup. The victory came courtesy of a remarkable solo effort from defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Mbokazi seized possession in his own half and beat Siwelele goalkeeper Samkelo Xulu with a precise long-range strike that proved decisive.
The Buccaneers arrived at the tie as favourites after an unbeaten run in their last 10 matches across all competitions, including seven consecutive wins and clean sheets. Midweek, they claimed a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy, with goals from Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Pirates started strongly and earned a penalty inside the opening five minutes after Makgopa was fouled in the box, but his effort struck the post, keeping the score level. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Pirates were unable to break through before halftime.
Second-half substitute Abdoulaye Mariko tested Xulu but could not score, and Pirates continued to rotate attackers, bringing on Mabasa and Kamogelo Sebelebele to push for a winner.
The breakthrough came in the 87th minute when Mbokazi’s strike gave Pirates the lead, sending the Soweto side through to the next round against Bloemfontein’s Siwelele FC.
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