As the Betway Premiership reaches its climax, Orlando Pirates are not the only team feeling the pressure ahead of their final clash against Orbit College on Saturday.
The Buccaneers are travelling to Mbombela Stadium, knowing that a win will secure the league title and delay Mamelodi Sundowns’ celebrations for another week. On the other hand, Orbit College are fighting for survival, as a defeat combined with a Magesi FC victory would see them relegated.
The two teams have met before this season, with the Buccaneers winning 1-0 in Soweto, courtesy of Lebone Seema’s impressive strike. This context is not lost on assistant coach Kabelo Machete, who acknowledged the significance of the occasion and even joked that tears will be shed after the final whistle.
Orbit College’s Pivotal Role in the Premiership
“I think the premier alluded to the fact that the stadium we’re going to is a potential banana peel, and tears are going to be flowing, but we don’t know where they’ll be coming from,” Machete said. A victory for Orlando Pirates will mark their fifth PSL title in history, having previously won the championship in 2000/1, 2002/03, 2010/11, and 2011/12.
Machete noted that his team is in a unique position, as they “hold the key” to determining the league’s outcome. “The mood is good, and the boys know that we’re holding the keys, so if you want the keys, you know where to go – to the students,” he added. Orbit College may be the underdogs, but the occasion itself seems to be motivating them.
A David vs Goliath Encounter
Machete compared the match to the biblical story of David and Goliath. “It’s a story we all know, and we’ve prepared our players with that in mind. Our opposition will be praying in the other dressing room, and we’ll be praying too. We’ll see if God is from Orlando or from North West,” he said, acknowledging the pressure of the game.
Orbit College’s determination to cause an upset is evident, and they’re ready to flourish under pressure. With the stakes high for both teams, the final clash of the Betway Premiership promises to be an exciting encounter.
