Orlando Pirates were crowned South African Premiership champions on Saturday after a 2-0 victory over Orbit College, with both goals coming from defensive mistakes by the opposition.
The Soweto giants finished top of the 16-team table, one point ahead of reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, to secure their first league title since 2012.
Pirates benefited from two own goals at Mbombela Stadium as Orbit’s relegation from the top flight was also confirmed after only one season in the division.
Orlando Pirates End Mamelodi Sundowns’ Eight-Year Dominance
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo punched a corner into his own net under pressure from Pirates attackers.
Just four minutes into the second half, Orbit defender Ndumiso Ngiba attempted to clear the danger but instead lobbed the ball over his goalkeeper and into the net to hand Pirates a commanding advantage.
The victory ended the eight-season league dominance of Sundowns and completed a domestic treble for Orlando Pirates.
Under Moroccan coach and former Fulham defender Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates also won two of the country’s three annual knockout competitions this season.
While Pirates celebrated in front of a packed 45,000 crowd in Mbombela, Orbit’s defeat confirmed their relegation to the second tier.
Orbit finished level on 24 points with Magesi but dropped out of the Premiership on goal difference.
Abdeslam Ouaddou Reacts To Historic Premiership Triumph
Sundowns had completed their league fixtures two weeks earlier because of CAF Champions League commitments and would have secured a ninth consecutive title had Pirates failed to win.
At the same time Pirates were playing, Sundowns were in Morocco preparing for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat, carrying a 1-0 advantage into Sunday’s clash.
“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.
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“My boys were so desperate to score an early goal that they rushed things and were stressed at times in the opening half.
“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.”
Slow Start Turned Into Title-Winning Campaign For Pirates
Pirates endured a difficult start to the season after losing their opening two league matches.
They were beaten at home by Sekhukhune United before suffering another defeat away to Marumo Gallants, the club previously coached by Ouaddou.
However, they responded impressively and went on to win 21 matches, draw six and lose just once more during the campaign — a home defeat against Sundowns in February.
For The Times Post, the triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for Orlando Pirates as they finally reclaim the Premiership crown after more than a decade of waiting.
