Orlando Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Selepe has reacted to picking up the Man of the Match accolade on a historic afternoon, as the Buccaneers finally shattered their 14-year league title drought to be crowned the 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges entered the final day of the season at a packed Mbombela Stadium knowing that maximum points were non-negotiable to unseat long-time log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite encountering an ultra-defensive, stubborn block from relegation-threatened Orbit College FC, the Soweto giants held their nerve to secure a clinical 2-0 victory.
The historic win not only brings the coveted league trophy back to Orlando for the first time since 2012, but it also officially seals an extraordinary domestic treble for the Sea Robbers, alongside their MTN8 and Carling Knockout triumphs.
SELEPE TALKS DISCIPLINE AND EMOTION
At the heart of that championship grit was Selepe, whose calm, anchoring presence in the middle of the park earned him the Man of the Match honours during the high-stakes final-day thriller.
A few weeks ago, he was the star as the Pirates Diski Challenge team won their first-ever title in the reserve league, before making his first senior appearance this season against Durban City FC in the goalless draw in Soweto.
A week later, Pirates showed further faith in the young midfielder—who had impressed after coming on in the second half against Durban City—and he repaid that trust by producing a Man of the Match display against Orbit today.
Speaking directly after the final whistle as wild celebrations erupted across the pitch, a visibly emotional Selepe opened up about the immense psychological weight the squad carried into the match following last week’s frustrating goalless stalemate against Durban City
More to follow…