LIVE: Orlando Pirates crowned! Bucs end trophy drought

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LIVE: Orlando Pirates crowned! Bucs end trophy drought
Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates vs Orbit College - Image: Pirates

Orlando Pirates needed maximum points to beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the title, and they did the job on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium.

It was the Sea Robbers who came into the match with massive pressure to deliver the championship trophy for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign. The Soweto giants could have snapped the title a week prior, but the goalless draw at home with Durban City spoiled the party.

For the Mswenko Boys, maximum points could have ensured they don’t play in the relegation/promotion playoffs.

Nkomo relieves pressure

As expected, it was Pirates who started the game brightly in search of an early goal to ease the pressure and tension on all associated with the club.

In the first 15 minutes, it was Sabelo Nkomo who had done his job to keep the scores level as he denied Thapelo Moremi and Thalente Mbatha, who were almost certain to put the ball in the back of the net.

Bucs lacked composure in the final third with Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Moremi failing to hit the target when clear.

Nevertheless, that changed in the added minutes of the first-half stoppages as Sabelo Nkomo unfortunately punched the ball into his own net under pressure from Yanela Mbuthuma.

Pirates finish the job to oust Sundowns

The Sea Robbers came even stronger after the break in search of the second goal to kill the game.

Bucs’ efforts paid dividends in the 50th minute with another own goal courtesy of Ndumiso Ngiba, who beat his keeper from the left.

While Bucs finished with 69 points, Mamelodi Sundowns came second with 68, ending a run of eight consecutive wins.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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