Orlando Pirates reach Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals with 3-0 win over Milford

Orlando Pirates began their Carling Knockout Cup title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, booking their place in the quarter-finals ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers settled the last-16 tie before half-time, with Thapelo Mokobodi opening the scoring before Tshepang Moremi added two further goals. The result gives the defending champions valuable momentum before one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.

Mokobodi maintained his recent scoring form by putting Pirates ahead in the 15th minute, scoring for the second consecutive match.

The 25-year-old midfielder drove forward from the centre of the pitch before combining with Moremi. After receiving a well-weighted pass inside the penalty area, Mokobodi kept his composure and guided his finish into the bottom corner.

Moremi doubled the advantage in the 34th minute after exploiting space behind the Milford defence.

The winger collected a pass and advanced towards goal before rounding the goalkeeper. Despite being forced into a tight angle, he found the net to give Pirates a commanding lead.

He then completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, making it 3-0 before the interval.

The Carling Knockout offers a R100,000 prize to the player of the match, and Moremi’s two goals strengthened his case for the award while underlining his contribution to a highly productive opening half for Pirates.

Milford faced a difficult task after the break, with the home side able to control the game and protect its advantage. Pirates managed the remainder of the contest without allowing their lead to come under serious threat.

For coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the emphatic result provides an ideal boost before the meeting with Kaizer Chiefs. However, the derby will bring a different level of intensity and pressure as Pirates turn their attention to Saturday’s showdown.

A victory over their Soweto rivals would give the Buccaneers further momentum and represent an even stronger statement after their assured start to the cup competition.

Moremi’s performance also provided a timely reminder of his attacking threat as Orlando Pirates attempt to retain the Carling Knockout Cup while continuing their pursuit of success across multiple competitions.