JOHANNESBURG — Orlando Pirates have officially completed a sensational domestic treble, ending a 14-year league drought by capturing the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title in a dramatic final-day showdown.
The Buccaneers secured a nervy 2-0 victory over Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon, finishing just one point ahead of fierce rivals Mamelodi Sundowns to reclaim the crown of South African football.
This historic triumph completes a remarkable clean sweep for the Soweto giants, who had already secured the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the season under the tactical guidance of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
A Dramatic Final Day at Mbombela Stadium
The stakes could not have been higher heading into the final matchday. After dropping crucial points the previous week, Orlando Pirates knew only a win would guarantee the title, while Orbit College were battling desperately to avoid relegation.
For the first 45 minutes, a resolute Orbit defence frustrated the Buccaneers’ star-studded attack. The breakthrough finally came deep into first-half injury time when a pinpoint corner from Tshepang Moremi forced an error from Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo, who inadvertently punched the ball into his own net.
Pirates doubled their lead just four minutes into the second half through another unfortunate own goal. Former Pirates player Ndumiso Ngiba deflected a dangerous attack by Yanela Mbuthuma, sealing the 2-0 scoreline that held until the final whistle. The victory sparked euphoric celebrations among the traveling Ghost fans, while Orbit College faced the heartbreak of relegation.
Dominance Reflected in Numbers
Orlando Pirates’ campaign was as dominant statistically as it was emotionally. They finished the season with 69 points, winning 21 games, scoring 58 goals, and conceding just 12, leaving them with a goal difference of +46—all league highs. They edged Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point, proving their consistency under pressure.
Revisiting the “Double-Treble” Glory Days
This spectacular season marks the first domestic treble for Orlando Pirates since the legendary “Double-Treble” era of 2010/11 and 2011/12 under captain Lucky Lekgwathi.
Importantly, it ends Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year monopoly on South African domestic football. The Brazilians had claimed eight consecutive league titles, with no other team lifting the trophy since Bidvest Wits in 2017.
By winning the MTN8, the Carling Knockout Cup, and the Betway Premiership, this current crop of Pirates players has firmly cemented their place in South African football history. While the Nedbank Cup eluded them (won by Durban City), the domestic treble remains a monumental achievement and a masterclass by coach Ouaddou in his debut cycles with the club.
What’s Next for the Champions?
With the domestic season concluded, the Buccaneers will enjoy a well-earned break before turning their attention to continental glory in the CAF Champions League.
The PSL has confirmed the top-eight bracket for next season’s MTN8, where Orlando Pirates will begin their title defence at home against eighth-placed Durban City. But for now, Soweto is awash in black and white as the Ghosts celebrate a legendary return to the summit of South African football.
