Pirates claim the throne after Mamelodi's eight year reign

Ever since the South African Premier Division was founded in 1996, only three clubs have participated in every single top-flight season — Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs. Between them, they have won 23 of the possible 29 league titles, and the 30th will also end up in their hands. Since 2015, The Brazilians have only once missed the opportunity to win the championship. Apart from 2016/17 season, when they finished second to Bidvest Wits, they won all titles (eight in a row), making them look like Bayern Munich. But the streak has ended and they gave away the title to Orlando Pirates, who claimed their fifth championship in South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns had to play their match against TS Galaxy earlier because of their participation in the CAF Champions League final. It was expected they would secure the points needed to clinch the title, but TS Galaxy produced a major upset and defeated them 3-2. That result has given Orlando the chance to win their first league title since 2012. Since they were only two points behind Mamelodi, victory was essential — otherwise the “Brazilians” will continue their dominance. However, the Pirates didn’t crumble under pressure and defeated Orbit College 2-0 at their own ground and relegated them in the process.

If we want to be more precise, it was actually the Orbit College who did all the work, as both goals scored in this match were own goals! Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo punched a corner into his net in first-half added time and Ndumiso Ngiba lobbed the ball over the shot-stopper on 49 minutes when attempting to clear under pressure.

“I am a happy coach having brought joy to millions of Pirates supporters. They had to wait 14 years for this so it is special. My boys were so desperate to score an early goal that they rushed things and were stressed at times in the opening half. Pirates have the third youngest squad in the Premiership and that is both an advantage and a disadvantage. We have bundles of energy, but lack patience sometimes. Some of our supporters panicked recently when we dropped points in draws. This Premiership is a very tough league and opponents usually raise their game when facing us. I was privileged to be chosen as coach of Pirates this season and have done my best from the first day at the club” head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, a former Fulham defender said after the game.