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 low block from relegation-threatened Orbit College FC, the Soweto giants held their nerve to secure a 2-0 victory in bizarre fashion. The Buccaneers benefited from two own goals—one in each half—courtesy of goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo and defender Ndumiso Ngiba.
The historic win not only brings the coveted league trophy back to Orlando for the first time since 2012, but it also seals a domestic treble for the Sea Robbers, alongside their MTN8 and Carling Knockout triumphs.
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 final-day thriller.
☠️ 🤴🏾 Man of the Match | Simphiwe Selepe @mswenkoboyz 0 – 2 @orlandopirates
⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/GdczO8wory
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 23, 2026
Just two weeks ago, he starred for the Pirates Diski Challenge team as they clinched their first-ever reserve league title. That success fast-tracked his transition to the senior squad, where he made his first team debut in the goalless draw against Durban City FC during the penultimate league game of the season in Soweto.
A week later, Ouaddou showed further faith in the young midfielder—who had impressed against Durban City—and he repaid that trust by producing a Man of the Match display against Orbit.
‘FROM NOT PLAYING ALL SEASON TO THIS’: SELEPE TEARFUL AFTER PIRATES TITLE TRIUMPH
Speaking directly after the final whistle as wild celebrations erupted across the pitch, a visibly emotional Selepe opened up about his whirlwind season—going from the fringes of the squad to starring in the club’s two most critical games of the campaign.
As the 21-year-old midfielder was speaking, his jubilant teammates swarmed the SuperSport TV broadcast, interrupting the interview with claps, cheers, and tight hugs before Selepe could compose himself to explain the tears.
“I would firstly like to thank the team for the opportunity, and God for the talent,” Selepe said. “I’m very emotional. From not playing the whole season to coming here to Mbombela in just my second game and winning Man of the Match, I’m just so happy and don’t know what to say.
“The coach [Ouaddou] told me to just play my football. Because I went such a long time without playing, my confidence was down, so the focus was just on rebuilding my confidence ahead of today’s game.
“I think I played well. God works in mysterious ways, and I’m happy that the club gives youngsters the opportunity to play, grow, and improve.”
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