Orlando Pirates were crowned Betway Premiership champions on Saturday after defeating Orbit College 2-0 [1].
The victory ends a 14-year title drought for one of South Africa's most storied football clubs [3]. This championship marks a significant return to dominance for the team in the domestic league.
The title decider took place at Mbombela Stadium on the final day of the 2025-26 season [2, 4]. The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline [1], though the goals were not scored by the Pirates' attackers. The win was secured through two own-goals by Orbit College players [5].
Among the mistakes was a notable own-goal by Orbit College goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo [5]. While the result sparked celebrations for the Pirates, it signaled a different fate for their opponents. Orbit College has been relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship [3].
The 2025-26 campaign culminated in this high-stakes finale [4]. The result ensures that Orlando Pirates reclaim their position at the top of the South African football hierarchy after more than a decade without a league trophy [3].
“Orlando Pirates were crowned Betway Premiership champions on Saturday.”
The championship marks a pivotal shift in South African football, breaking a long period of frustration for Orlando Pirates. By securing the title on the final day of the season, the club restores its status as a premier force in the Betway Premiership, while Orbit College's relegation highlights the stark contrast between the league's peak and its bottom tier.
