Orlando Pirates advanced to their second cup final in three months after a controlled 1-0 victory over Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semifinals at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Tshepang Moremi’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Soweto giants continued their impressive cup form under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

AfricaPicks: Premier League Saturday spotlight – Matchday 11’s value

Orlando Pirates booked their place in yet another domestic final after edging Richards Bay 1-0 in the Carling Knockout semifinal at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Tshepang Moremi’s 42nd-minute goal was the difference as the Buccaneers secured a second cup final appearance in just three months, having lifted the MTN 8 title in September.

The result maintained Pirates’ strong record in knockout competitions, with this marking their ninth final in six seasons—a run that has already yielded seven trophies.

Richards Bay, aiming to reach their first-ever cup final in the club’s eight-year history, struggled to contain a Pirates side that controlled proceedings from the outset. The Soweto outfit created early pressure, forcing several corners before Mbekezile Mbokazi headed narrowly wide inside the opening six minutes.

Pirates continued to dictate the tempo, with Sipho Mbule testing goalkeeper Ian Otieno in the 12th minute and Yanela Mbuthuma going close on two occasions shortly thereafter. Oswin Appollis also forced a save from Otieno following a direct run through midfield, before Pirates eventually made their dominance count.

Three minutes before the interval, Appollis delivered a precise long pass to Moremi, who controlled superbly before driving his shot across Otieno into the bottom corner for the decisive goal.

Richards Bay showed greater intent after the break, coming close to an equaliser when Lundi Mahala’s shot flashed wide just a minute into the second half. However, Pirates quickly regained control, with Moremi and Thalente Mbatha both denied by Otieno as they searched for a second goal.

Moremi nearly doubled his tally late on, but Otieno once again produced an excellent save to keep the scoreline respectable. Despite a late push from the hosts, Pirates’ defensive structure held firm as Ouaddou’s side continued their march toward another piece of silverware.

Watch: SA duo nominated for CAF Goal of the Year

– Edited report from PSL website

Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images