Orlando Pirates End 14-Year Title Curse As Own Goals Sink Orbit And Shock Sundowns

Orlando Pirates finally brought the South African Premiership trophy back to Soweto after a dramatic 2-0 victory over Orbit College on Saturday night. The Buccaneers ended a 14-year wait for league glory and stopped the long-standing dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Two own goals handed Pirates the win in front of a packed 45,000 crowd in Mbombela. The result pushed Pirates one point clear at the top of the 16-team standings and secured a memorable domestic treble for the club.

Orlando Pirates Win Premiership Title After 14-Year Wait

Orlando Pirates struck first in added time before the break when Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo accidentally punched a corner into his own net. The Buccaneers tightened their grip on the title moments after halftime through another own goal.

Ndumiso Ngiba attempted to clear under pressure but instead chipped the ball over his own goalkeeper on 49 minutes. The unfortunate moment sealed Orbit’s fate and sparked huge celebrations among Pirates supporters.

The title triumph completed an outstanding campaign for the Soweto giants under Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Pirates also lifted two domestic cup trophies this season to cap an impressive treble-winning year.

Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Reacts To Historic Triumph

Ouaddou praised his players after guiding Pirates to their first league crown since 2012. The former Fulham defender admitted emotions ran high during the tense contest.

“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,” Ouaddou told reporters.

“My boys were so desperate to score an early goal that they rushed things and were stressed at times in the opening half.

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“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.”

Mamelodi Sundowns Miss Out As Orbit College Are Relegated

Mamelodi Sundowns needed Pirates to drop points to keep their title streak alive. The Pretoria giants had already completed their league fixtures earlier because of CAF Champions League duties.

While Pirates celebrated in Mbombela, Sundowns travelled to Morocco to prepare for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat. Sundowns carried a 1-0 advantage into the decisive clash.

Orbit College suffered heartbreak after their relegation was confirmed following just one season in the top flight. They finished level on points with Magesi but dropped into the second division because of an inferior goal difference.

Pirates recovered brilliantly after losing their opening two league matches earlier in the season. They went on to record 21 wins, six draws and only one more defeat during a stunning title-winning run.