Pirates seal another Nedbank Cup final berth

VENGEFUL Orlando Pirates turned the tables on Marumo Gallants to secure their place in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final with a 1-0 win at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The victory served as retribution for their previous 2-0 defeat in the Betway Premiership a month earlier, and also secured the defending champions a place in the coveted 2025 final.

Pirates dominated from start to finish, with Gallants only managing their first shot at goal late in the first half. From the kick-off, Pirates made their aggressive intentions clear with a vigorous high press. This allowed right-back Deno van Rooyen to surge goalwards and test Gallants’ defence, although his effort was confidently gathered by Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Gallants wasted no time countering the high press, retaining possession under pressure with quick passing and off-the-ball movement inside their own half. Pirates worked their way to a 60% plus possession advantage and launched several attacking sorties out wide, although they initially failed to threaten Gallants’ goal.