Defending champions Orlando Pirates advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup after a convincing 3-0 win over Milford FC in the round of 16 clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday evening.
Bafana Bafana international Tshepang Moremi scored a first-half brace while Thapelo Mokobodi netted the other for the Buccaneers.
It was the second clash between Pirates and the top-flight football newcomers, after meeting in the opening match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, which the Buccaneers won 2-0.
FARPost looks at four talking points in Pirates’ victory over Milford.
1. TSHEPANG MOREMI SHOWS CLASS IN CARLING KNOCKOUT CUP VICTORY
Pirates attacker Tshepang Moremi’s two goals were not as easy as they looked. But the 26-year-old has grown in confidence since his move from AmaZulu FC at the beginning of last season.
He showed great composure as he coolly converted the two chances for the home side. His form in both domestic and CAF interclub competitions will be key for Pirates.
2. THALENTE MBATHA MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT
Despite Pirates’ consistency even without some key players in recent times, Thalente Mbatha’s return to midfield cannot go unnoticed.
Mbatha recently returned from a knee injury he had suffered at the beginning of the 2026/27 season. However, his performances, including against Milford on Tuesday, have been impressive. The 26-year-old was unfortunate not to be in the score sheet after a few attempts with his trademark long-range shots.
3. FORCED EARLY SUBSTITUTION AS GHAMPANI LUNGU SUFFERS AN INJURY
Pirates were forced to make a change five minutes before half-time, with Gamphani Lungu coming off and Mpho Padime replacing him. The Zambian international looked like he had suffered a knock, although the Pirates medical team has yet to confirm.
The Buccaneers will be hoping Lungu, who has also been an important player for the club, recovers in time ahead of the Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
4. MILFORD FC TRY TO FIGHT BACK WITH WHOLESALE CHANGES DURING HALF-TIME
Despite Dr Xanti Pupuma making wholesale changes at half-time to shift tactics while his side trailed 3-0, Pirates proved too good for the KZN side.
Dr Pupuma took out Siphosethu Ndlabi, Jabulile Gxakoshe, Mjabulise Mkhize and Mvelo Zikakayo, bringing in Mnqobi Mbhele, Thabana Mabena, Vusimuzi Mthabela and Sicelo Masilela. However, it was too little too late as Pirates had done enough to advance to the last eight of the Carling Knockout Cup.
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