Orlando Pirates finally ended their 14-year wait for a league title after defeating Orbit College 0-2 at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday to secure the 2025/26 Betway Premiership crown.
The victory capped off a remarkable season for the Buccaneers, who completed a domestic treble for the third time in the PSL era. Pirates also set a new club record with 21 wins in a 30-match league campaign, finishing on 69 points.
Returning to a stadium where they had already celebrated silverware earlier in the season, Pirates entered the decisive final-day clash knowing only a win would guarantee the title. They responded with urgency from the opening whistle, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Thalente Mbatha tested goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo with a long-range strike, while Relebohile Mofokeng came close when his deflected effort brushed the post. Mbatha continued to threaten as he forced another save from Nkomo later in the half.
Despite Pirates’ dominance, Orbit defended with determination and nearly struck through Tshepang Moremi, who failed to convert after meeting a clever chipped pass from Oswin Appollis. The hosts also threatened from a corner late in the first half, with striker Lethabo Modimoeng narrowly missing the target.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime. Under intense pressure from Pirates, Nkomo mishandled a corner and punched the ball into his own net with Mbatha closing him down.
Pirates carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage soon after the restart. Defender Ndumiso Ngiba turned the ball into his own goal while attempting to deal with pressure from striker Yanela Mbuthuma.
With a two-goal cushion, Pirates continued to push forward in search of more goals. Moremi fired wide, while Kamogelo Sebelebele was denied from a tight angle. Mbuthuma and substitute Abdoulaye Mariko also missed opportunities as the Buccaneers comfortably managed the closing stages.
When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a historic triumph for the Soweto giants, who held their nerve in one of the most dramatic Premiership title races in recent memory to finally reclaim the league crown and complete a memorable treble-winning season.
