After a painful CAF Champions League exit, Orlando Pirates are back on familiar turf and ready to refocus on domestic glory. The Buccaneers face Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, aiming to reach the final four and end their run of heartbreak in this competition.
Match Details
- Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs Magesi
- Competition: Carling Knockout Cup – Quarter-Final
- Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025
- Kick-off: 19:00 (SA Time)
- Venue: Orlando Stadium
- TV Channel: SuperSport PSL (Channel 202)
- Streaming: DStv App / DStv.com
Note: Tickets are available on OpenTickets, and live updates will be shared on Orlando Pirates’ official social media channels.
Orlando Pirates Eye a Return to Winning Ways
The Soweto giants were eliminated from the Champions League despite a 3–0 second-leg victory over Saint-Éloi Lupopo. That result left fans frustrated but hopeful as Pirates continue to show strength on home soil.
They have gone ten domestic games without defeat, including a confident 1–0 win over Siwelele in the Round of 16. Their impressive home form has seen them collect seven consecutive victories at Orlando Stadium, and this fixture offers a chance to stretch that streak.
Mandla Ncikazi: “No Regrets, Only Lessons”
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi emphasised the team’s mindset ahead of the clash, underlining the importance of turning past disappointment into motivation.
“This is an opportunity for our team to move into the semi-finals of such an important cup. We can only take lessons from our previous performances and improve. No regrets, only lessons to be learned. Improve the performance, get into the next round, that’s all this team is all about,” said Ncikazi.
His words reflect the growing confidence within the squad, which has remained focused despite their continental setback. The Buccaneers know this competition represents a chance to lift another domestic trophy and continue their strong form under pressure.
Injury News and Squad Update
Coach Abdeslam Ouddou will once again have to manage without key players Relebohile Mofokeng, Selaelo Rasebotja, Thabiso Sesane, Tapelo Xoki, and Deano van Rooyen, who remain sidelined.
The squad still looks strong, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi expected to feature after his late heroics in the previous round. Attackers Patrick Maswanganyi and Oswin Appolis remain the creative force for the Buccaneers, both in form and full of confidence.
Magesi Look to Repeat History
Magesi FC enter this match as the defending Carling Knockout Cup champions, the same side that knocked out Pirates in last season’s opening round. Their 3–2 win over AmaZulu in the first round of this year’s edition showed their resilience and attacking threat.
Despite sitting mid-table in the Betway Premiership with just nine points from ten matches, Magesi have found some rhythm, claiming three wins in their last five games. Veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has recovered from injury and is expected to start.
Head-to-Head Battle
Pirates and Magesi have only met a few times, but their encounters have been dramatic. The Limpopo side has proven a difficult opponent, winning the first cup clash in Soweto and drawing 1–1 in their most recent league meeting. Pirates are still searching for their first home win over Magesi and will want to change that record in front of their fans.
Check also: Orlando Pirates’ CAF dream shattered by Lupopo on penalties
Pirates are favourites based on form and home advantage, but Magesi’s recent revival and history in this competition make them dangerous. If the Buccaneers can stay composed in attack and tighten up defensively, they should have enough to progress. Fans can expect a thrilling contest under the Soweto lights, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Will Orlando Pirates finally end Magesi’s hold over them at Orlando Stadium, or will the defending champions cause another upset? Share your thoughts below.
