It has been a trophy that has eluded Pirates down the years, with some embarrassing final defeats, but they deservedly took the crown this time around as Gallants barely laid a glove on them.
Pirates have now reached eight cup finals in the last three-and-a-bit seasons and won seven of them. This is also their second Carling Knockout trophy win in 10 final attempts, their only other triumph coming in 2011.
They have won the last four deciders in the MTN8 for a record run in that competition, and two of the last three in the Nedbank Cup, their only blemish being a painful defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup decider at the end of last season.
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi has been excellent for Gallants over several seasons, and especially in this campaign. But he almost gifted Pirates an early goal when he lost possession with the ball at his feet in his own box. Evidence Makgopa’s shot towards an open goal was cleared off the line by Sibusiso Sikhosana to deny Pirates the opener.
Perhaps the striker could have gone for more power but went for placement instead, making it easier for the defender.
There were very few chances in the 90 minutes outside of Makgopa’s effort. Lots of shots, but nothing troubling the goalkeepers. In fact, in the second half Pirates had an xG of 0.16 and Gallants’ was 0.06.
Pirates finally took the lead in the 115th minute, and it was far from pretty. In fact, it is hard to know how it went in.
The ball broke to Relebohile Mofokeng 10 yards from goal and his curling effort was half-stopped by a Gallants defender. As the ball trickled towards the goal-line, they had another chance to clear but completely missed the ball with an air shot.
It is another cup final goal in Mofokeng’s short career and he has now completed his domestic set with goals in the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup deciders.
Abdeslam Ouaddou had a rocky start as coach of Pirates and there were plenty of doubters when the team were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the second round in an admittedly dismal showing.
But you cannot argue with two cup wins in two competitions and taking the team to the top of the Betway Premiership and into a genuine title race for the first time in many a year. Give him his dues, he has done a great job.