WHAT a fitting send-off.
Orlando Pirates gave a resounding ‘bye-bye’ to one of their own Mbelekazi ‘TLB’ Mbokazi, by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the extra-time, to clinch the Carling Knockout Cup, on Saturday evening.
The sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium, saw Bucs defender who was handed the captains’ armband, as a sign of appreciation and send-off, lifting the cup before leaving our shores to join the US side- Chicago.
‘TLB’ as he’s known for his strength and no-nonsense attitude, departs with his second winner’s medal in the space of just three months.
The youngster from Kwa Zulu-Natal also forms part of the team headed to AFCON in Morocco, in two weeks time. Yes, no rest for him.
Talk of no rest, his teammate Relebohile “Rele” Mofokeng, who scored the all important 105min goal, also joins the squad to Morocco.
Pirates have dominated the cup competitions in recent times, winning the MTN8 four years in a row (2022-2025) and claiming back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles (2023, 2024), although they’ve only lifted the Carling Knockout trophy once (2011) – until now, under new coach Abdeslam OAuasddou.
Image provided (Bucs’ star Relebohile “Rele” Mofokeng celebrating after scoring a winning goal to clinch the Carling Cup on Saturday evening, at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane).
