Orlando Pirates secure fourth consecutive MTN8 Title with dominant extra-time win over Stellenbosch

Orlando Pirates etched their name further into South African football history by clinching their fourth straight MTN8 title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

The match, which remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, exploded into life during extra time as Pirates capitalized on their superior depth and finishing prowess. Tshepang Moremi emerged as the hero of the night, netting a brilliant brace in the 92nd and 110th minutes, while Tshegofatso Mabasa added a clinical strike in the 103rd minute to seal the Buccaneers’ dominance.

Pirates controlled much of the first half, peppering Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens with chances. Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, and Relebohile Mofokeng all tested Stephens early on, but the Stellies shot-stopper produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in contention. Evidence Makgopa also came close for the Soweto giants, only to be denied by another acrobatic stop from Stephens.

The second half mirrored the stalemate, with Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine largely untroubled as Stellenbosch struggled to create meaningful threats. As the game stretched into extra time, fatigue appeared to set in for the underdogs, allowing Pirates to break through. Moremi’s opener in the 92nd minute, assisted by Olwethu Appollis, shifted the momentum decisively, followed swiftly by Mabasa’s poacher’s finish three minutes later.

Moremi, who terrorized the Stellenbosch defense throughout, completed his brace in the 110th minute with another assist from Appollis, ensuring Pirates lifted the trophy without reply. Mbule and Mofokeng continued to shine in midfield for the winners, providing creativity and width that Stellenbosch could not match.

This triumph marks Pirates as the first team in the competition’s history to win the MTN8 four years in a row, extending their remarkable streak after successfully defending the title for a third consecutive season. For Stellenbosch, coached by Abdeslam Ouaddou, the defeat is a bitter pill following their run to the 2024 final, but it underscores their progress in challenging the established powers of the Premier Soccer League.

The victory provides Pirates with a morale boost ahead of their Betway Premiership campaign, while Stellenbosch will look to regroup for their league opener.