Mofokeng Nets Maiden Goal to Seal League Cup Triumph for Orlando Pirates

Relebohile Mofokeng notched his initial strike of the season spanning five months, clinching a 1-0 win in extra time for Orlando Pirates against Marumo Gallants during Saturdays South African League Cup decider.

The expected winners Pirates wasted many opportunities throughout the usual playing period amid a capacity crowd of 44,000 spectators in the northern South African hub of Polokwane, until the young 21-year-old forward slotted home on the 105th minute.

Gallants could not deal with a dipping delivery near ground level, allowing Mofokeng to guide the bobbling ball beyond veteran 40-year-old Zimbabwean custodian Washington Arubi.

Although Marumo stood firm in defence, they showed little threat upfront in pursuit of a leveller, concluding the extended 120-minute showdown without registering a solitary effort on goal.

"We exploited the gaps in midfield and our movement without possession proved outstanding," remarked Pirates Moroccan manager Abdeslam Ouaddou, once a defender in the Premier League for Fulham.

"Right after Mofokengs finish, I substituted him to lock things down. Leading the score, we aimed to protect it, so I replaced the attacker with a backline player."

Marumo operate under French manager Alexandre Lafitte, aged 28 and the most youthful strategist across the 16 elite South African teams.

"I feel deeply let down, yet immensely proud of my squad. They battled relentlessly from start to finish. Prior to kickoff, I sensed a single strike would decide the outcome."

This success for Pirates, rooted in the expansive Soweto suburb near Johannesburg, positions them midway towards claiming all four national honours.

They previously lifted a tournament for the top eight league sides from last term, and the FA Cup begins soon in the new year.

Chasing their first league crown since 2012, Pirates hold a two-point lead over title holders Mamelodi Sundowns and have one game in hand at the seasons midpoint.

The clash marked the final outing for 20-year-old central defender and skipper Mbekezile Mbokazi with Pirates, as he departs for Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reports indicate Chicago handed over 51 million rand ($3 million) for the South African representative.