Orlando Pirates made history by clinching their fourth consecutive MTN8 title, defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in a sold-out final at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday night.
This landmark achievement makes the Soweto giants the first PSL team to secure the title four times in a row.
The Buccaneers started the match on a high tempo, with Thalente Mbatha making an excellent run from his own half into Stellenbosch’s territory before he was fouled in the fifth minute.
A minute later, Relebohile Mofokeng showed what he is capable of, taking a shot at goal, but it was deflected out for a corner.
The Steve Barker-coached side showed great resilience, absorbing Pirates’ pressure in the first-half. In the 15th minute, Stellies tried to turn the tables, as Devin Titus threatened the Soweto giants’ goal, but Lebone Seema was there to rescue his team.
As the first-half wore on, Thabo Moloisane launched a shot from range, but it went over the crossbar.
Nonetheless, the Sea Robbers kept control, holding onto possession and dictating the pace for most of the first half.
ORLANDO PIRATES AND STELLENBOSCH FC LEVEL AT HALF-TIME BREAK
Pirates and Stellenbosch went into the halftime break with nothing to separate the two teams, as the scoreline remained 0-0.
Pirates picked up right where they left off after halftime. In the 52nd minute, Sihle Nduli delivered a sharp diagonal ball to Evidence Makgopa, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens was there to deny him.
The Buccaneers continued to pressure the Stellies’ goal. A cutback from Kamogelo Sebelebele was cleared out to Seema, whose shot sailed high over the crossbar in the 67th minute. However, Stellenbosch found a second wind around the 70th minute, creating their own chances and forcing two excellent saves from Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine.
With the final whistle blowing at 0-0, the match headed into extra time.
Just two minutes into the added period, substitute Tshepang Moremi came to Pirates’ rescue, scoring the crucial opening goal after a beautiful assist from Oswin Appollis. The momentum continued to build for Pirates, with another substitute, striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, scoring the second goal in the 100th minute off an assist from Moremi.
Moremi completed his brace in the 110th minute, once again assisted by Appollis. His stellar performance off the bench earned him the Man of the Match award and sealed the MTN8 championship for the Buccaneers after a gruelling 120 minutes.
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