Orlando Pirates prioritise Carling Knockout progress ahead of Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates will treat Tuesday’s Carling Knockout last-16 tie against Milford FC as their immediate priority, despite the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs taking place on Saturday.

Former Pirates midfielder Hleza Mofedi says the club cannot afford to protect key players for the derby because their pursuit of trophies comes first.

Pirates face Milford at the Orlando Amstel Arena at 19:00, with the Buccaneers entering the match as favourites and carrying the ambition of completing a domestic treble. Their opponents are newly promoted and have already demonstrated that they can cause major upsets in cup football.

Milford’s reputation as giant-killers was established in the 2024 Nedbank Cup, when they eliminated Kaizer Chiefs. Newly promoted and lower-tier sides have often proved difficult opponents in high-pressure, single-elimination matches.

However, Pirates have already shown they can deal with Milford’s threat. When the teams met on the opening day of the season in August, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side secured a 2-0 victory in a controlled performance.

Milford coach Dr. Xanti Pupuma has shown tactical flexibility, including the use of deep defensive blocks and aggressive offside traps. Those methods frustrated Pirates during parts of their previous meeting, but the depth available to the Buccaneers gives them the option to rotate without a major drop in technical quality.

Pirates’ squad includes emerging and explosive players, allowing them to manage the demands of a season involving league football, the CAF Champions League and domestic cup competitions. Even so, Mofedi believes complacency remains the main danger in a 90-minute knockout match.

The club’s emphasis on cup football is also linked to its recent success and history. Pirates have developed a reputation as South Africa’s Cup Kings in recent seasons and are currently near the top of the league standings.

For Mofedi, those factors make Tuesday’s match more pressing than Saturday’s derby.

“Milford are playing good football, but deep down they know what kind of team they are up against today,” he told KickOff.

“This Pirates team has players for the league games, players for CAF Champions League, and players for the domestic cup competitions. They can easily field three teams.

“Yes, there’s a Soweto Derby on Saturday, but as a club we want trophies. Pirates can’t save their best players for the derby. They always want to make history. So, right at this moment, tonight’s game is the important one. They want to progress in the Carling Knockout,” he added.