Expect fan favourites Pirates ready to take Polokwane by storm in Carling Knockout final

Polokwane's football supporters are in for a treat after the PSL officially announced that the New Peter Mokaba Stadium will host a grand showdown for the Carling Knockout championship in December.

With fan favourites Orlando Pirates reaching the final, the 45 500-capacity stadium is expected to be sold out. Pirates have a strong following in the region.

Pirates will go up against the Bloemfontein-based outfit Marumo Gallants, who advanced to the final following a 4-2 win on penalties against Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Pirates secured their place in the final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon. The match featured tense play, but the Pirates held on to their narrow lead, strengthening their pursuit of another title.

The Polokwane venue's playing surface is regarded among the best on the African continent and has enjoyed the high praise of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Over the past few months, the venue has become renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and its passionate fans.

The PSL announced that Pirates will host the final match-up, following a league-conducted home-and-away draw on Sunday. The PSL will announce the starting time at a later date.

In a captivating twist to the final, Gallants will be squaring off against their former coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who led Pirates to the MTN8 title earlier this season.

The stakes are high, as both teams aim to secure not only the glory that comes with winning the Carling Knockout Cup but also a substantial prize fund — R6.85 million for the champions and R2.85 million for the runners-up.

The PSL will release details regarding ticket sales and logistical arrangements in the coming days.