Mbombela Stadium — The fourteen-year wait is finally over. Orlando Pirates have been crowned 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions after a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Orbit College on a dramatic final day of the season.
The triumph not only brings the league title back to Soweto for the first time since 2012 but also completes a historic domestic treble for the Buccaneers, who had already lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the campaign.
High Stakes and Early Tension in Nelspruit
Going into the final match day, the equation was clear: Pirates needed a win to stay ahead of a relentless Mamelodi Sundowns. Orbit College, fighting to avoid relegation, set up a resolute defensive wall at Mbombela Stadium.
For the first 30 minutes, the Sea Robbers dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined, all-out defending side. The best early chance came in the 33rd minute when Tshepang Moremi latched onto a brilliant through-ball from Oswin Appollis, but his shot sailed over the crossbar, with only goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo to beat.
The Own Goals That Sealed the Title
Fortune, however, smiled on Pirates just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Moremi delivered an in-swinging corner into the box. Orbit keeper Nkomo misjudged the flight of the ball and inadvertently punched it into his own net, giving the Buccaneers a crucial 1-0 lead.
The second half began with a similar twist. Just three minutes in, an attacking surge forced Ndumiso Ngiba into an awkward clearance that ended up as another own goal.
With a 2-0 lead, Orlando Pirates controlled the remainder of the match, maintaining possession and frustrating Orbit College, who were officially relegated by the final whistle.
Final Standings: Pirates Just Edge Past Sundowns
Orlando Pirates finished the season with 69 points, narrowly beating Mamelodi Sundowns, who ended on 68 points. Kaizer Chiefs claimed third with 54 points.
- 1st: Orlando Pirates – Played 30, Goals Scored 58, Goals Conceded 12, Points 69
- 2nd: Mamelodi Sundowns – Played 30, Goal Difference +36, Points 68
- 3rd: Kaizer Chiefs – Played 30, Goal Difference +14, Points 54
This one-point victory underscores just how tight and thrilling the 2025/26 Betway Premiership race was.
A Campaign for the History Books
This championship marks a monumental moment in South African football, ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year hold on the league title. Under Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates have transformed into a ruthless footballing machine, finishing the season with the best attacking output (58 goals) and the strongest defence (just 12 conceded) in the league.
As celebrations erupt across Orlando and the broader football landscape, the Buccaneers can proudly reflect on a season where they swept every domestic trophy available, firmly reclaiming their place as the kings of South African football.
