Orlando Pirates return to home soil this week with something to prove. After crashing out of the CAF Champions League in heartbreaking fashion, the Soweto giants are determined to make amends when they host Magesi in the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday night.
A Painful Exit, But Not The End
Just days ago, Pirates’ continental dreams were cut short after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo. The 3-3 aggregate scoreline masked a story of grit and heartbreak — the Bucs had clawed their way back from a 3-0 deficit in Lubumbashi only to falter from the spot in the return leg.
That disappointment has left fans hungry for redemption, and the Carling Knockout presents the perfect stage. The last thing Pirates need is a second cup exit in one week.
Strong At Home, Hungry For Silverware
Despite their continental stumble, the Bucs have been formidable in local competitions. They’re the last of South Africa’s traditional “big three” still standing in the Carling Knockout, after both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated in dramatic penalty shootouts in the last 16.
It’s been over a decade since Pirates last lifted the League Cup — way back in 2011 — and they know the stakes. With clean sheets in their last seven domestic matches, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has become the backbone of a defensive unit that’s as composed as it is confident.
Head coach José Riveiro will be banking on that stability, along with the attacking spark of players like Tshegofatso Mabasa and Patrick Maswanganyi, to push his side closer to long-awaited silverware.
Magesi’s Moment Of Belief
But standing in their way is a Magesi side brimming with belief. Under the guidance of former Pirates coach Owen da Gama, the Limpopo outfit have been the tournament’s giant-killers.
They stunned AmaZulu 3-2 in the opening round and have since carried that momentum into the league, where they recently beat TS Galaxy 2-1. For Da Gama, who knows Orlando Stadium all too well, this fixture carries extra emotional weight.
Magesi are chasing a fairytale repeat — after all, they were last season’s surprise champions, etching their name into South African football folklore.
A Tournament Of Upsets
The Carling Knockout has quickly reclaimed its reputation for drama since returning to the local football calendar in 2023, after a four-year COVID-induced hiatus.
Stellenbosch claimed the first title after the rebrand from Telkom Knockout, followed by Magesi’s historic run last season. This year’s quarterfinals have already produced shocks — Richards Bay thumped Durban City 3-1, while Golden Arrows edged TS Galaxy 2-1.
And with Marumo Gallants set to face Stellenbosch on Wednesday in another evenly matched clash, the competition feels as open as ever.
What To Expect
Pirates will take to the Orlando Stadium pitch on Tuesday night knowing that anything less than victory could turn their season sour. Magesi, buoyed by belief and momentum, have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT, and for the Buccaneers, it’s not just about reaching the semifinals — it’s about proving that heartbreak in Africa won’t define their season.
Source: ESPN Africa
Image Source: Orlando Pirates on X
