HISTORY MADE: Orlando Pirates crowned DDC champions

Orlando Pirates DDC side crowned champions

Orlando Pirates have officially clinched the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] title for the first time in the club’s history after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers entered the final matchday with a three-point cushion at the summit, needing only a point to secure the DDC title.

However, the Soweto giants left nothing to chance, delivering an entertaining performance to put the title race to bed.

After a cagey opening half-hour, the Sea Robbers finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. A well-executed corner kick found Cristian Derbyshire, who rose highest to find the back of the net with a beautiful header.

Pirates doubled their lead just before the interval. The referee pointed to the spot after Tsiamo Masisi brought down Oratile Rantasi inside the area. Mpho ‘Phopho’ Padime stepped up and converted the penalty, beating Nqobani Biyela to make it 2-0.

A RECORD-BREAKING DDC CAMPAIGN FOR PIRATES

While Sundowns ensured the title race went down to the wire, the Buccaneers’ consistency throughout the season proved to be the difference.

Orlando Pirates DDC players in celebratory mood
Orlando Pirates DDC players in celebratory mood. Photo: Asidlali

As a result, the Buccaneers finished top of the DDC table with 75 from 30 outings, while Bafana Ba Style secured the second spot with 69 points from the same number of games.

This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Kaizer Chiefs, who finished with 70 points in 28 games last season when they won the league.

KAIZER CHIEFS FINISH THE SEASON WITH A BANG

Earlier on Saturday morning at the same venue, Chiefs ended their campaign in emphatic fashion by humiliating Chippa United 11-0.

The massive victory served as a statement of intent following a dip in form that saw Amakhosi suffer back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC before the Chilli Boys’ encounter.

Despite the record-breaking scoreline on the final day, the Naturena-based side finished the 2025/26 campaign in fourth position, accumulating 49 points from their 30 outings.

DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE WEEKEND RESULTS

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Polokwane City FC 1-3 Golden Arrows

Sekhukhune United 0-4 Richards Bay FC

AmaZulu FC 0-1 TS Galaxy

Marumo Gallants 4-1 Orbit College FC

Magesi FC 2-2 Durban City FC

Stellenbosch FC 3-2 Siwelele FC

Kaizer Chiefs 11-0 Chippa United

Orlando Pirates 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

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