Historic Four-Peat! Orlando Pirates Secure MTN8 Title in Dramatic Extra-Time Triumph

Orlando Pirates cemented their place in history on Saturday, defeating a determined Stellenbosch side 3-0 to clinch a remarkable fourth consecutive MTN8 title at Mbombela Stadium.

The victory is a significant milestone for new coach Abdeslam Ouaddoum, who celebrated his first piece of silverware with the Soweto giants after taking the reins from Jose Riveiro.

The match began with a flurry of energy as both teams sought an early advantage. Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng had the first looks at goal, but neither could find the mark.

The Buccaneers gradually began to assert their dominance, with Mbatha testing Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens with a powerful long-range strike in the 13th minute, which was expertly saved. Stellenbosch, to their credit, mounted their own attacks, but the solid Pirates defense, a hallmark of their recent success, held firm. The first half ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate.

The second half mirrored the first, with both teams returning to the pitch without any changes. The deadlock almost broke in the 52nd minute when Evidence Makgopa had his effort denied by another fantastic save from Stephens.

A BOLD CHANGE THAT PROVED PIVOTAL FOR PIRATES

Ouaddou then made a bold change bringing on Oswin Appollis for Sipho Mbule in the 61st minute, a move that would prove pivotal. Despite another close call from Deon Hotto, the game remained scoreless, and the teams headed into extra-time.

Just two minutes into extra-time, the narrative of the match changed completely. The substitute duo combined perfectly as Tshepang Moremi expertly tapped in a cross from Appollis, finally breaking the deadlock for Ezimnyama Ngenkani.

Stellenbosch tried to respond, bringing on Langelihle Phili, but Pirates had found their rhythm. Tshegofatso Mabasadoubled the lead in the 103rd minute, capitalizing on a square pass from Moremi. With the win in sight, Pirates brought on captain Nkosinathi Sibisi to solidify the defense.

The victory was sealed in the 111th minute when Moremi slotted home his second goal of the night after receiving another beautiful through pass from Appollis, a fitting end to a hard-fought match where the substitutes made all the difference.