Before 44,000 expectant fans in Polokwane, favorites Pirates squandered numerous regular-time chances until Mofokeng’s 105th-minute winner. Capitalizing on a loose ball, the winger side-footed it past veteran keeper Arubi. Gallants defended bravely yet managed zero shots on target throughout.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised their excellent movement, noting he substituted the scorer immediately to "close the shop." Marumo’s young French manager Lafitte remained proud, having predicted a single goal would decide matters.
This hard-fought triumph takes the Soweto giants halfway to a domestic clean sweep, complementing their previous knockout title. Currently leading the league, Pirates are chasing their first league premiership since 2012.
However, the final effectively marked a poignant farewell for their captain Mbekezile Mbokazi. The 20-year-old defender joins Chicago Fire after the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The US club reportedly paid 51 million rand for the South African international, ending his tenure there with another major trophy.