Orlando Pirates end 14-year league draught with Betway Premiership triump

Orlando Pirates finally ended their long wait for league success after defeating Orbit College 2-0 to clinch the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

The victory secured a memorable domestic treble for the Buccaneers, who lifted the league trophy for the first time in 14 years. Pirates also finished the campaign with a club-record 21 wins and 69 points from 30 matches.

With the title race going down to the final day, the Soweto giants knew only a win would guarantee the championship. They immediately took control of proceedings and created several early opportunities through Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, but Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo kept the hosts in the game with a series of saves.

Orbit defended bravely for much of the first half and nearly shocked Pirates when Tshepang Moremi missed a clear chance after being played through by Oswin Appollis. The hosts also threatened from a corner late in the half, with striker Lethabo Modimoeng narrowly missing the target.

Pirates eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime in fortunate fashion. Under pressure from Mbatha during a corner situation, Nkomo accidentally punched the ball into his own net to hand the Buccaneers the lead.

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Defender Ndumiso Ngiba turned the ball into his own net while trying to deal with pressure from Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma.

Pirates continued pushing for more goals, with Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele both coming close, while Mbuthuma and substitute Abdoulaye Mariko also missed chances late in the match.

When the final whistle sounded, Pirates were confirmed as champions, bringing an end to one of the most thrilling Premiership title races in recent years and sealing a historic treble-winning season.