Orlando Pirates are Betway Premiership champions for the first time since 2012 after a win over Orbit College at a sold-out Mbombela Stadium on Saturday – ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-title dynasty by a single point.
Two own goals on either side of half-time from goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo and defender Ndumiso Ngiba gave the Buccaneers a 2-0 win – and with it, a first Betway Premiership title in more than a decade.
Pirates dominated from the first whistle. Over 70% possession, shot after shot and a relentless pressure that Orbit struggled to contain. Mofokeng went close before the 20th minute with a low driven effort that crept inches wide. Moremi spurned a golden chance when Appollis picked him out perfectly with a ball over the top – one on one with Nkomo, he skied it. Pirates were dominant but missing that clinical edge.
Then, in the dying seconds of first-half stoppage time, the breakthrough arrived in the most dramatic fashion. Moremi’s corner was whipped into the box and Nkomo, who had been outstanding all half, misjudged the flight of the ball and punched it into his own net. A catastrophic end to a superb individual performance. Pirates led 1-0 at the break.
Nkomo punches it into his own net and the Bucs are off the mark 😲🧤
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/TXfOcOVcK8
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 23, 2026
The second half brought more of the same. Pirates pushed forward immediately and the pressure told again. Ngiba, another standout in the first half, attempted to clear inside his own box and turned the ball into his own net. Two own goal, the job was done.
Disaster at the back for Orbit College 🫣
Pirates lead by two 🏴☠️🔥
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/mPfc1YR1vL
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 23, 2026
Moremi had further chances to add his name to the scoresheet but blasted over again. Sebelebele was denied by Nkomo, still making saves despite the scoreline. Pirates were not at their ruthless best but they did not need to be.
Pirates scored the most goals in the league, conceded the fewest and kept a record 21 clean sheets. Mofokeng, Appollis, Chaine and Mbatha have been the spine of the best team in South Africa all season. The margin was one point. The final day went to the wire. Two own goals sealed it. None of that will matter tonight.
For Sundowns, eight consecutive titles is an extraordinary achievement and their season is not over. They lead AS FAR Rabat 1-0 in the CAF Champions League final first leg. There is still history to be made in Morocco.
For Orbit College, relegation is confirmed. A spirited first half undone by individual errors tells the story of a season that was simply not good enough from start to finish.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
