Orlando Pirates Book Third Straight Nedbank Cup Final With Sweet Revenge Over Gallants

Orlando Pirates marched into their 3rd consecutive Nedbank Cup final with hard fought 1 - 0 win over Marumo Gallants at buzzing Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result was sweet revenge for the Buccaneers who'd lost to Gallants in the Betway Premiership just month earlier.

Dlamini Delivers the Decisive Moment

From the outset, Pirates were dominant pressing high and controlling possession. Their reward came in the 22 minute after flowing team move. Patrick Maswanganyi burst down the right and cut the ball back for Kabelo Dlamini who calmly side footed into the bottom corner his 1st goal of the tournament and the only goal of the game.

Despite late 1st half scare when Edgar Manaka nearly equalised, goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi stood firm to keep Pirates ahead at the break.

Tactical Battles & Missed Opportunities

Pirates boss Jose Riveiro made four changes from their last outing and his side looked sharp. Gallants made changes of their own at half time bringing on Gabadinho Mhango & Christopher Sithole which helped them grow into the game but they failed to create clear cut chances.

Late on Relebohile Mofokeng & Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo came on for Pirates, injecting energy into the attack. Tshegofatso Mabasa had chance to double the lead but his effort was cleared off the line. Deon Hotto & Mofokeng also came close but Washington Arubi denied them both.

Despite late pressure from Gallants, Pirates’ defence held strong with Buthelezi making key saves to preserve the lead.

Riveiro’s Reign of Dominance Continues

Under Jose Riveiro, Pirates have remained unbeaten in the Nedbank Cup since the start of the 2022 /23 season. This latest win sends them to the 2025 final where they await the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs setting up potential dream final.

Final Score:

• Orlando Pirates 1 - 0 Marumo Gallants
• Scorer: Dlamini 22’

Pirates Starting XI:

• Buthelezi, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Mbokazi, Mako, Dlamini (Ndlondlo 63’), Makhaula, Nkota (Mofokeng 63’), Maswanganyi (Xoki 88’), Hotto, Makgopa (Mabasa 75’)

With place in the final secured and momentum on their side, the Buccaneers are one win away from lifting the Nedbank Cup for 3rd straight season a potential landmark in the club's modern legacy.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.