Orlando Pirates Crowned 2025/26 Betway Premiership Champions After Dramatic Final-Day Triumph
The Buccaneers ended a 14-year wait for league glory on Saturday after defeating Orbit College FC 2–0 at the Mbombela Stadium to secure the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title in dramatic fashion.
Needing victory on the final day of the season to overtake Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the standings, Pirates delivered under immense pressure to complete a historic domestic treble and cap off one of the club’s greatest modern campaigns.
With the title race going down to the wire, Pirates arrived in Nelspruit knowing only three points would guarantee the championship. Their opponents, Orbit College, were equally desperate as they battled to avoid relegation.
The tension was evident throughout a nervy first half, with clear-cut opportunities at a premium. However, Pirates finally found the breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time in bizarre circumstances.
In the 45+5th minute, Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Calvin Nkomo attempted to punch away a dangerous Pirates corner but instead diverted the ball into his own net, handing the Buccaneers a priceless lead heading into halftime.
The champions-elect tightened their grip on the match shortly after the restart. Defender Ndumiso Ngiba, attempting to clear another dangerous delivery in the 49th minute, volleyed the ball over his own goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
The victory saw Pirates finish the campaign with a club-record 21 league victories and 69 points, while also boasting the best defensive record in the Betway Premiership this season.
As the final whistle sounded, scenes of jubilation erupted among players, technical staff and supporters as Pirates officially reclaimed the league crown for the first time since 2012.
The triumph also completed a remarkable domestic treble for the Soweto giants, who added the Betway Premiership title to their MTN8 and Nedbank Cup successes earlier in the season.
For Orbit College, the afternoon ended in devastating fashion. The defeat confirmed relegation for the club after a hard-fought campaign in the top flight.
Orlando Pirates Crowned 2025/26 Betway Premiership Champions (Image: Orlando Pirates)