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Pirates begin chase for trophy that keeps eluding them

football03 October 2025 10:00| © Mzansi Football
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Pirates players @ Gallo images

Orlando Pirates have become cup specialists over the past season with four successive MTN8 wins and success in two of the last three Nedbank Cup but the Carling Knockout, in its various guises, has largely been a bogey competition for them down the years.

They have in fact lifted the trophy just once since its inception in 1982, and lost a further eight finals.

Over the last two seasons they were ousted by underdogs, which is something of an omen for Saturday’s clash against struggling Siwelele at the Orlando Stadium.

Richards Bay eliminated them in a shock result in the 2023 quarter-final, winning on post-match penalties, while Magesi dumped them out in the first round last season with a sensational 3-2 upset in Soweto, leading 3-0 at half-time before Pirates attempted a late comeback.

It was the first time Pirates had lost a game outright in the competition since 2016 (W6 D4), going out on penalties on the last four occasions they have exited, and on five of the last six.

In fact, since 2010 they have lost 11 ties and seven of those have been via spot-kicks. They have not won a single shoot-out in that time.

Their overall competition record is dismally poor for a club who have done well in the other knockout competitions.

That single victory came in 2011 when they beat BidVest Wits 3-1 in the final thanks to goals from Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Daine Klate and Isaac Chansa.

But for the rest there has been little cheer, despite their numerous final appearances.

They lost to Bush Bucks in 1987, then to Mamelodi Sundowns in 1990. It took five years to return to the final and this time it was Wits who beat them 1-0.

They were then stunned by a young Ajax Cape Town 4-1 in a replay of the 2000 decider, and lost to Ajax again in 2008 and bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in 2010.

There was some respite with that 2011 success, but normal service resumed after that with shock final losses to Platinum Stars (2013) and Baroka (2018).

There is no real explanation why their conversion rate is so poor, they have a strong record in MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals.

In all, Pirates have played 79 games in the League Cup since 1996/97, winning 41, drawing 20 and losing 18. They have scored 127 goals and conceded 83.

ORLANDO PIRATES RECORD IN PSL ERA

Tournament finishes

2024/25: First Round

2023/24: Quarterfinals

2019/20: Quarterfinals

2018/19: Final

2017/18: Quarterfinals

2016/17: Semifinals

2015/16: Semifinals

2014/15: Semifinals

2013/14: Final

2012/13: Quarterfinals

2011/12: Winners

2010/11: Final

2009/10: Semifinals

2008/09: Final

2007/08: First Round

2006/07: Quarterfinals

2005/06: Semifinals

2004/05: First Round

2003/04: First Round

2002/03: First Round

2001/02: First Round

2000/01: Final

1999/00: Semifinals

1998/99: Semifinals

1997/98: Semifinals

1996/97: Quarterfinals

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