Orlando Pirates made history on Saturday evening, clinching their fourth consecutive MTN8 title with a decisive 3-0 extra-time victory over Stellenbosch FC at a packed Mbombela Stadium.
The victory not only sealed a remarkable four-peat for the Buccaneers but also elevated their top-eight trophy tally to 14—just one shy of Kaizer Chiefs’ long-standing record.
While the final score suggests a lopsided affair, the match was a tight, tactical battle for 90 minutes. Neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time.
The first half saw Pirates control possession and create a few chances, with Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng both missing the target, while a long-range shot from Mbatha was expertly saved by Stellies’ goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Stellenbosch, for their part, were lively but couldn’t get past the Buccaneers’ solid defense.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Evidence Makgopa came close for Pirates, but Stephens was again there to deny him. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou brought on Oswin Appollis for Sipho Mbule in an attempt to spark the attack, but the deadlock remained at the end of regulation.
That being said, the game shifted dramatically in extra time. Within two minutes, Pirates found their breakthrough. A brilliant cross from substitute Appollis was tapped in by fellow substitute Tshepang Moremi, who was left unmarked.
Stellenbosch’s attempts to find an equalizer left them exposed at the back. Pirates capitalized on this, as Moremi turned provider, setting up Tshegofatso Mabasa to double the lead in the 103rd minute.
The Buccaneers then shut the game down, with captain Nkosinathi Sibisi coming on to reinforce the defense. The night truly belonged to Moremi, who sealed the victory in the 111th minute with his second goal of the night, finishing off another pass from Appollis.
For Ouaddou, this triumph marks his first piece of silverware since taking over from the popular Jose Riveiro. The coach’s tactical decisions paid off handsomely, with his attacking substitutions directly leading to all three goals.
For Stellenbosch, the loss was a tough blow in their third consecutive final. Despite winning the Carling Knockout in the 2023/24 season, they have now lost two consecutive MTN8 finals to the Buccaneers. Coach Steve Barker’s side, who shuffled their lineup for the match, will have to regroup quickly after a disappointing night in Nelspruit.