Orlando Pirates have made history in the MTN8 after edging out Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in extra time at Mbombela Stadium. The dramatic win on Saturday night secured Pirates’ fourth consecutive MTN8 trophy, a feat no other club has managed, and reinforced their status as the dominant force in South Africa’s top-eight knockout competition.
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Match Recap
The match remained locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, despite several probing attempts from Orlando Pirates. Early in the second half, Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa nearly broke through with a well-set pass from Sihle Nduli, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens stood tall and denied the effort, keeping Stellenbosch in the match. Stephens had already made a nervy but crucial early save from a long-range Thalente Mbatha strike, setting the tone for a tightly contested first 45.
As extra time began, the momentum shifted. Just two minutes into the added period, Oswin Appollis delivered a precise cross that found Tshepang Moremi, who calmly slotted the ball past Stephens to open the scoring. Moremi, riding high on the moment, turned provider next – slipping in Tshegofatso Mabasa to double the lead shortly after, making it 2-0.
Pirates were not finished. About ten minutes later, Moremi grabbed his second of the night: another assist from Appollis put him through on goal, and he delivered the finish to complete the hat-trick in all but name. The strike sealed a 3-0 victory for Pirates after extra time, underlining their fitness, depth and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
Orlando Pirates didn’t just win this final; they proved a point. Against an opponent who’d nearly matched them in effort for 90 minutes, Pirates showed why they are unmatched in MTN8 history: resilience, tactical awareness, and game-changing moments.
For Stellenbosch, the pain of another final defeat will sting, but the trajectory is upward. They have shown they belong in these moments. Still, for now, the crown remains with Pirates. History, it seems, is theirs to own.
