Carling Knockout Cup Final: Why Orlando Pirates Face More Pressure Than Marumo Gallants
- Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants are the two teams that will battle in the final of Carling Knockout Cup final this season
- The Soweto giants defeated Richards Bay in the semi-final to secure a place in the final, while Marumo Gallants did the same against Lamontville Golden Arrows
- A sports journalist, while in an interview with Briefly News, talked about the pressure Orlando Pirates are facing ahead of the final
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Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants will face off in this season's Carling Knockout Cup final after both teams advanced through the semi-finals.
Source: Instagram
The Bucs defeated Richards Bay in the last four, while Marumo Gallants knocked out Lamontville Golden Arrows, coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer Manqoba Mngqithi.
Mngqithi was sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns after the Brazilians lost to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final last season and was replaced by Miguel Cardoso.
A football expert, Uche Anuma, has shared his opinion on the final between the Sea Robbers and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, scheduled for next month.
Why Pirates are feeling more pressure
Sports journalist Uche Anuma explained, during his exclusive interview with Briefly News, why Pirates would be feeling a lot of pressure ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final.
He mentioned that Gallants don't have anything to lose regardless of the outcome of the final, as the Buccaneers are clear favourites going into the game.
"Orlando Pirates are condemned to win the final as they are the clear favourites. This is one of the issues top teams have when they play in the final against smaller sides," he said.
"The Bucs will also need to be careful, as Marumo Gallants have been doing great under their new young manager, Alexandre Lafitte.
"Marumo Gallants have nothing to lose in the final as they are expected to lose against Pirates, but they could pull off another underdog story like Magesi FC did last season against Orlando Pirates."
Source: Instagram
Anuma also outlined some of the reasons why Pirates would be concerned ahead of the final against Marumo Gallants.
"Another reason Pirates would be bothered about this final is the international break, they have nine players in the Bafana Bafana squad, and an injury to any of their important players could prove costly for them.
"I am not expecting another repeat of last season's surprise by Magesi FC, because I feel Pirates know how to handle finals, especially domestic cup competitions
"They already lost to Gallants this season in the Betway Premiership, so this final is important and not to be toyed with."
The Carling Knockout Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, 6 December 2025, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Favourite team to win Carling Knockout Cup
Briefly News earlier reported that a football analyst predicted the favourite team among Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants to win the Carling Knockout Cup title this season.
The sports journalist also explained the reason behind his choice of favourite, and why it would be an exciting match to watch.
Source: Briefly News
