PIC:  Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates will be appearing in a third Nedbank Cup final in a row and seeking a hat-trick of titles after previous wins in 2023 and 2024.
Their coach Jose Riveiro remains unbeaten in the competition after 14 matches, though this year’s path to the final was anything but simple.

LAST 32 – JANUARY 26

At King Zwelithini Stadium
Richards Bay (0) 1 (Mbuthuma 47’)
Orlando Pirates (1) 3 (Maswanganyi 22’, 26’, Mabasa 90’)
Ref: Jelly Chavani

Cautions: Maswanganyi 16’, Nkota 58’
Team: Melusi Buthelezi, Deano van Rooyen (Siyabonga Ndlozi 50’), Thabiso Sesane, Tapelo Xoki (Innocent Maela 75’), Deon Hotto, Thalente Mbatha (Kabelo Dlamini 75’), Makhehlene Makhaula, Mohau Nkota (Bandile Shandu 65’), Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa. Coach: Jose Riveiro  

LAST 16 – FEBRUARY 15

At Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates (2) 3 (Mabasa 29’, 45’, 63’)
Baroka FC (0) 1 (Malivha 75’) 
Ref: Xola Sitela

Cautions: Maswanganyi 16’, Xoki 55’, Dlamini 73’

Team: Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Tapelo Xoki (Innocent Maela 67’), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Paseka Mako, Kabelo Dlamini (Selaelo Rasebotja 81’), Makhehlene Makhaula (Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo 46’), Deon Hotto, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng (Karim Kimvuidi 67’), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Evidence Makgopa 81’). Coach: Jose Riveiro  

QUARTERFINALS – MARCH 8

At Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
SuperSport United (1) [2] 2 (Dzvukamanja 43’, Moralo 90’)
Orlando Pirates (2) [2] 2 (Mbokazi 29’, Makgopa 45’)
After extra-time; Pirates won 5-4 on penalties

Ref: Olani Kwinda

Cautions: Mbokazi 59’ 

Team: Sipho Chaine, Siyabonga Ndlozi (Deano van Rooyen 70’), Tapelo Xoki, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Innocent Maela 86’), Paseka Mako, Makhehlene Makhaula (Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo 46’), Thalente Mbatha (Goodman Mosele 70’), Mohau Nkota (Patrick Maswanganyi 70’), Relebohile Mofokeng (Bandile Shandu 86’), Deon Hotto, Evidence Makgopa. Coach: Jose Riveiro  

SEMIFINALS – APRIL 13

At Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Dlamini 22’)
Marumo Gallants 0
Ref: Jelly Chavani

Cautions: Van Rooyen 73’

Team: Melusi Buthelezi, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Paseka Mako, Kabelo Dlamini (Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo 63’), Makhehlene Makhaula, Mohau Nkota (Relebohile Mofokeng 63’), Patrick Maswanganyi (Tapelo Xoki 89’), Deon Hotto, Evidence Makgopa (Tshegofatso Mabasa 79’). Coach: Jose Riveiro