Late goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng helped Orlando Pirates beat Stellenbosch 3-1 on Saturday to successfully defend their MTN8 title.
Lehlohonolo Mojela and Monnapule Saleng had scored for their respective teams in the first half.
The Buccaneers came into the match hoping for nothing less but victory to become the only side to have won the competition for the third time in a row.
However, it was not going to be a walk in the park against the Steve Barker-led outfit who were motivated to secure their second major title after winning the Carling Knockout in the 2023/2 season.
Pirates shocked by Mojela but Saleng ensures spoils are shared in the first half
Stellies were giving as much as they were receiving in a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in the only competitive clash in South Africa this weekend.
In the 11th minute, Bucs conceded a throw which was taken by Thabo Moloisane; Andre de Jong flicked it to Lehlohonolo Mojela whose bicycle kick was too much for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to silence thousands of Pirates fans in the stadium.
Sage Stephens had to be at his best in the 27th minute to deny Patrick Maswanganyi. A good ball from the right was not properly cleared and it kindly fell on South Africa's international feet, but was just unfortunate not to level matters from 12 yards.
Three minutes later, Chaine pulled a good save to deny Nigerian Ibraheem Jabaar from the edge of the 18-yard area.
Pirates were not to be denied in the 44th minute. Stellies conceded a free-kick 30 yards from the goal. Deon Hotto's stinging effort was parried by Stephens but as far as Monnapule Saleng, who fully took the gift to make it 1-1.
Mabasa and Mofokeng break Stellies hearts
After the break, both teams came back pushing for the second goal to help settle the nerves in an otherwise nervy final.
Saleng was certain to complete his brace in the 69th minute when Kabelo Dlamini found him in the area, but despite a classy first touch, the winger's effort was blocked by Sage.
Moments later, midfielder Thalente Mbatha was stretchered off five minutes after Makhehleni Makhaula owing to what looked like muscle injuries.
Despite the changes made, the Buccaneers continued stamping authority in the game wanting to win it in regulation time.
In the first minute of added time, Stellies gave away a free-kick deep in their own half. It was quickly restarted by Relebohile Mofokeng -outside the three-meter-radius allowed by Fifa, who played it to Tshegofatso Mabasa. The towering forward held off his marker before burying the ball past Sage. The referee pointed to the center line amid protests by Stellies players.
Mabasa returned the favour five minutes later when he set up the teenager who rounded the keeper, left the defender for dead before slotting the ball into an empty net to win it for the Soweto giants.
Pirates Make History
The Buccaneers are now the first team in Mzansi to win MTN8 three times in a row. Pirates are now unbeaten in the 11 matches played across all competitions this season.