Orlando Pirates Set New Record After Thrashing Stellenbosch FC in MTN8 Final
- Orlando Pirates have been crowned the winners of this season's MTN8 after defeating Stellenbosch FC in the final
- It was a repeat of last season's final, and the Soweto giants replicated it by winning while setting a new record in the competition
- Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou celebrated his first title since taking over from Jose Riveiro this summer
Orlando Pirates cruised to a 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025, sealing a historic fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
Source: Twitter
The Sea Robbers and the Stellies were unable to find the back of the net in regular time, with the Soweto giants needing extra time to secure the deserved win.
Second-half substitutes Tshepang Moremi and Tshegofatso Mabasa both scored, with the former scoring twice and assisting once. Another summer signing, Oswin Appollis, also impressed by creating two assists for Moremi as Abdeslam Ouaddou won his first title as Pirates coach.
Pirates defeat Stellenbosch in MTN8 final.
Ouaddou adjusted his starting XI from the last game, bringing in Sipho Mbule to cover for the injured Patrick Maswanganyi and reinstating Relebohile Mofokeng in place of summer signing Oswin Appollis.
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Stellies also made changes to their lineup, benching Thato Khiba, Ibraheem Jabaar, and Khomotjo Lekoloane, with Genino Palace, Sanele Barns, and Lehlohonolo Mojela all starting.
The game kicked off with high intensity as both teams sought an early advantage. Pirates were the first to create good chances, as Thalente Mbatha and Mofokeng both found opportunities inside the box, but neither managed to direct their shots on goal.
Shortly after, Pirates started to take control of possession, mounting a series of threatening attacks in search of the first goal. In the 13th minute, Mbatha fired a fierce long-range effort, only for goalkeeper Sage Stephens to make a crucial save.
The Maroons launched several attacks of their own but struggled to break through the resilient Bucs' defence as the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Pirates almost broke the deadlock in the seventh minute after the restart when Evidence Makgopa connected with a chipped pass from Sihle Nduli. The Bafana Bafana star's strike, however, was brilliantly denied by Stephens, who pulled off an outstanding save to keep the score level.
Source: Getty Images
With both teams unable to find the breakthrough in normal time, the match headed into extra time.
In the 92nd minute, substitute Moremi finally gave the Sea Robbers the deserved lead, calmly slotting home a cross delivered by Appollis.
Then, in the 103rd minute, Mabasa extended Pirates’ advantage, scoring a neat pass from Moremi, who had opened the scoring.
In the 111th minute, Appollis and Moremi combined again as the latter wrapped up the win, netting his second goal of the match following another exquisite through ball from the former.
The Buccaneers became the first team in the Premier Soccer League to three-peat the MTN8 by defeating Stellies last season, and they have now set a new record by winning the title for four consecutive seasons.
Pirates star told to move to Europe
Briefly News also reported that a Pirates star has been advised to leave the PSL and consider a move to Europe.
The Bafana Bafana star has been one of the best players for both his club and country since last season.
Source: Briefly News
