Mokoro John Mpe addressing media at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane ahead of Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallats. Picture OTP
By Thulane Madalane
Polokwane – Polokwane Municipality is set to host the third edition of the Carling Knockout Cup, which replaced the Telekom Knockout Cup for the 2023/2024 season. The much-anticipated final promises a classic “Goliath versus David” battle as Orlando Pirates, enjoying a rich vein of form and leading the Betway Premiership, take on the determined Marumo Gallants.
On paper, Orlando Pirates are the favourites given their current dominance. However, Marumo Gallants should not be underestimated. They have earned their place in the final decisively, having thrashed notable teams such as Golden Arrows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch along the way.
Marumo Gallants’ head coach Alexandre Lafitte expressed his excitement ahead of the final:
“For me, I’m very excited and very happy to play this final, but honestly, I’m focused and concentrated on helping the club and team to win the trophy. It is a very important moment for me, the team, and the club. For that, I want to respect Marumo Gallants on Saturday, and I hope we will win the trophy,” Lafitte said, as quoted by SABC Sport.
Orlando Pirates’ head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou reflected on his journey since taking charge of the team:
“All these people are helping me to reach targets. Given that it’s been a hectic schedule full of thrills and spills, especially after Pirates crashed out of the CAF Champions League group-stage qualifiers, I think there’ll be time at the end of the season to judge the campaign better,” Ouaddou said, as reported by IOL ahead of the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 6 pm at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Mokoro John Mpe, highlighted the economic benefits of hosting high-profile football events:
“We have traveled a journey with the Carling Knockout Cup. On 6 January 2024, we hosted a successful Carling Black Label Cup Allstars, the first of its kind. That event served as a precursor to the final we are hosting on Saturday. Sports is one of our key economic contributors, drawing visitors, creating jobs, and stimulating local markets,” said Mayor Mpe.
As the excitement builds, football fans from across the region are eagerly awaiting a thrilling encounter that promises both sporting excellence and positive economic impact for the host city.
