ORLANDO PIRATES (0) 1
Mbokazi 88’
SIWELELE (0) 0
Mbekezeli Mbokazi continued to endear himself to the hearts of the Ghost as he steered the Sea Robbers into the Carling Knockout quarter-final with a thunderbolt.
Mbokazi struck two minutes before the end of regulation time as Orlando Pirates edged Siwelele 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, extending their winning streak. Pirates have now won eight consecutive matches and are yet to concede a goal.
This victory, inspired by captain of the day Mbokazi’s screamer, has kept Pirates’ dream of being third-time lucky in the competition alive, having fallen short in the last two editions.
Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been like a cyborg assassin since donning an elbow brace, ruthlessly guiding the team after a sluggish start — including clinching a record fourth consecutive MTN8 crown.
He proved he’s not just the brains behind what’s fast becoming a well-oiled Pirates machine. At one point, he nonchalantly controlled a ball headed for a throw-in with impressive composure and skill, drawing cheers and applause from the Ghost.
But the afternoon ultimately belonged to Mbokazi. His stunning goal sent waves of euphoria around the stadium, with fans chanting his name long after referee Akhona Makalima blew the final whistle.
This win was crucial — especially heading into the FIFA break — as the ‘beer cup’ had left a bitter taste for Pirates in recent seasons, having been knocked out by Richards Bay and Magesi in the quarter-final and first round, respectively.
Determined to rewrite the script this season and become third-time lucky, Ouaddou named a strong starting XI — featuring Bafana Bafana internationals Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Oswin Appollis up front.
Despite the depth — which saw the fans cheer loudly as each name was called by the stadium announcer — Pirates struggled to break down the visitors.
They were handed a golden opportunity early on when they were awarded a penalty in the first five minutes, but Evidence Makgopa’s casual effort struck the upright, allowing Siwelele to regroup.
Pirates didn’t let that setback deter them. They continued to pile pressure on the visitors but couldn’t find the opening. Makgopa nearly redeemed himself later with a curling cross for Moremi, who, unfortunately, put the effort wide.
🏆 ℂ𝔸ℝ𝕃𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕂ℕ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕆𝕌𝕋 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: 🚀 What a strike by Mbekezeli Mbokazi!
𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 1⃣➖0⃣ 𝐒𝐢𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞
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📱 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #CarlingKnockout pic.twitter.com/tuGLhqrH1f— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 4, 2025
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was largely untested in the first half, thanks to a rock-solid defence marshaled by evergreen captain Mbokazi, who kept Samir Nurkovic and company quiet.
Nurkovic was visibly frustrated after Christian Saile opted for a selfish shot — despite displaying great footwork — firing straight at Chaine instead of passing to the better-positioned Serbian.
Both sides worked hard in the early stages of the second half to find the lead, with goalkeepers Samkelo Xulu and Chaine standing firm. But it was Xulu who finally succumbed — and in spectacular fashion.
Mbokazi won a duel in his own box, drove past the halfway line, noticed Xulu off his line, and unleashed a thunderbolt that sealed the match — and further cemented his place in the hearts of the Ghost as Pirates booked their spot in the Carling Knockout quarter-final.
