Orlando Pirates on Brink of Betway Premiership Glory
Orlando Pirates’ long wait for Betway Premiership glory is down to just 90 minutes. Following a goalless draw with Durban City at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday, the Buccaneers must beat Orbit College FC at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday at 15:00 to claim the championship. If they fail, Mamelodi Sundowns will lift their ninth record championship since the 2017/18 season.
The Task at Hand
The situation is straightforward: a win for Orlando Pirates, and the championship is theirs for the first time since the 2011/12 season. The Sea Robbers currently trail Sundowns by two points on the Betway Premiership log, with 66 points from 29 matches, while Sundowns have 68 points from 30 games. Although Orlando Pirates have a superior goal difference of +44 compared to Sundowns’ +36, it only matters if the sides finish level on points. A win is a necessity.
Favourites to Win
Despite failing to find the net against Durban City, where they dominated possession (77%) and registered 31 shots (1.45 expected goals), Orlando Pirates remain favourites. They have been the highest scorers in the league with 56 goals in 29 games, including a 6-0 win over TS Galaxy, 5-0 over Golden Arrows, and 3-0 over Kaizer Chiefs. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou remained calm after the Durban City draw, saying: “It’s football, and we keep the suspense until the end. I said it at the beginning and in the middle of the season that the title would probably be played for until the final day.”
Orbit College’s Motivation
Orbit College, who are just one point off rock bottom, have everything to play for. A win could ensure their safety if Marumo Gallants or Chippa United lose to Stellenbosch FC or Kaizer Chiefs, respectively.
goalless stalemate with Durban City at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena
