Orlando Pirates made history in the MTN8 by securing their fourth consecutive title after defeating Stellenbosch 3-0 in the final held at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, September 13.
The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, but Tshepang Moremi broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute. Seven minutes earlier, Tshegofatso Mabasa had doubled the Buccaneers’ lead, and Moremi sealed the victory with a second goal in the 110th minute.
With this win, Pirates became the first team to successfully defend the MTN8 trophy for three consecutive years. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch fell short in the final for the second year running.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team aimed to continue their recent dominance in the top-eight competition, while Stellenbosch sought to improve on their 2024 final appearance.
In the first half, Pirates created the better chances. Early on, Thalente Mbatha missed a shot after receiving a chip from Deon Hotto in the fifth minute. Stellenbosch’s goalkeeper, Stage Stephens, made his first save in the 14th minute by blocking Mbatha’s volley from a Sihle Nduli cross.
Pirates kept the pressure, with Sipho Mbule forcing Stephens to tip a shot over for a corner in the 23rd minute. Relebohile Mofokeng tested the goalkeeper twice within seven minutes, but the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
After the break, Pirates continued attacking. Stephens saved comfortably from Mbule’s deflected shot in the 49th minute. Stellenbosch nearly scored a minute later when Sanele Barns shot across the goal from a tight angle, but Pirates’ defense held firm. Stephens also denied Evidence Makgopa at close range.
In the 53rd minute, Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine saved a shot from Andre de Jong that had taken a deflection off Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He also kept out Barns’ attempt in the 70th minute.
As the match progressed, Pirates pushed for a winner. Hotto forced another save from Stephens in the 82nd minute, and Moremi headed wide from Appollis’ cross six minutes before full time.
With no goals in regulation, extra time began with Pirates taking the lead just two minutes in. Appollis, a former Polokwane City player, delivered a precise pass to Moremi, who finished from eight yards.
Stephens made a crucial save to deny Moremi again in the 99th minute, but Mabasa scored four minutes later to extend Pirates’ lead to 2-0.
The match was effectively decided in the 110th minute when Moremi scored his second goal, assisted once more by Appollis, sealing a 3-0 victory.
Final Score
Orlando Pirates 3 (Moremi 92′, 110′; Mabasa 103′)
Stellenbosch 0 (after extra time)
Lineups:
Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, T. Lebitso (T. Moremi 74′), L. Seema, M. Mbokazi, D. Hotto, S. Nduli, S. Mbule (O. Appollis 62′), T. Mbatha, K. Sebelebele, E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 74′), R. Mofokeng (N. Sibisi 105′).
Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, K. Enyinnaya (T. Mokobodi 72′), T. Moloisane, H. Stanic, O. Mdaka, M. Mthiyane (L. Phili 97′), D. Titus (T. Khiba 83′), S. Barns (L. Nku 71′), G. Palace (I. Jabaar 59′), L. Mojela (A. Cupido 58′), A. de Jong.