Orlando Pirates crowned MTN8 Champions after Extra-Time triumph over Stellenbosch
The Mbombela Stadium returned to the spotlight on Saturday, hosting its first major cup final since 2016, when Bidvest Wits famously defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 Final. This time, the iconic venue set the stage for Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch in a battle for the coveted trophy and it was the Buccaneers who emerged victorious, claiming a historic fourth successive MTN8 title with a 3–0 win after extra time.
Pirates came into the final with two changes from their last outing against Chippa United, as Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule replaced Patrick Maswanganyi and Oswin Appollis. Stellenbosch also rang the changes, recalling Genino Palace, Sanele Barns, and Lehlohonolo Mojela to the starting lineup.
The Buccaneers wasted no time imposing themselves. Within the opening minutes, Thalente Mbatha and Mofokeng tested Stellenbosch’s backline, while Mbule stung the gloves of Sage Stephens with a fierce long-range strike. The Stellenbosch shot-stopper was called into action again soon after, stretching to claw away another Mbule effort as Pirates looked to take the match by the scruff of the neck.
Stellies showed flashes of threat through Mojela and Barns but found it difficult to create clear chances against a well-organised Pirates defence. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, remained on the front foot, with Mofokeng proving a constant menace on the left flank. Despite their dominance, Pirates couldn’t find the breakthrough, as Stephens’ assured presence in goal kept Stellenbosch in the contest.
With chances few and far between towards the end of the half, the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0. Pirates restarted with intent and almost took the lead when Evidence Makgopa met a cross at the far post, only for Stephens to deny him again. Shortly after the hour mark, Pirates introduced Oswin Appollis for Mbule to inject fresh energy in attack. Stellenbosch, however, grew into the game and carved out a golden chance in the 69th minute when Barns unleashed a snap-shot inside the area, forcing Sipho Chaine into a fine reflex save.
As the clock wound down, both sides pushed for a winner, with Tshepang Moremi coming closest for Pirates with a glancing header late in regulation time. With the scores still level, the final headed into extra time.
Moremi turned hero almost immediately, making a late run into the box to connect with a precise through pass from Appollis, bundling the ball home in the 92nd minute to hand Pirates a vital lead. The midfielder wasn’t done yet, returning ten minutes later, he cut in from the left and squared for Tshegofatso Mabasa, who coolly slotted home to double the advantage.
The Buccaneers sealed the result in the second period of extra time, with Moremi once again at the heart of the action. Beating the offside trap, he latched onto another perfectly-weighted Appollis pass and side-footed into the bottom corner to complete his brace and cement Pirates’ dominance.
At the final whistle, Pirates ran out 3–0 winners, lifting the MTN8 trophy for a record- extending fourth consecutive time. Stellenbosch fought bravely, but in the end, it was the Soweto giants’ performance, squad depth, and Moremi’s match-winning performance that ensured yet another chapter of MTN8 glory.