Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou must make big calls as his charges have to win against Orbit College to become champions.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI to face Orbit College
Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Makgopa.
This proposed XI would show three changes from the combination which drew 0-0 with Durban City. Out would come Simphiwe Selepe, Patrick Maswanganyi and Yanela Mbuthuma. They’d be replaced by Makhehlene Makhaula, Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa.
Mofokeng is the key
21-year-old playmaker Relebohile Mofokeng is linked with a move away from Pirates almost daily. If he shines for Bafana during the 2026 World Cup, there could be some big-name suitors. Mofokeng has 10 goals and eight assists from 26 league appearances this term. Would now be a good time to sell to a wealthy suitor in Europe? His future could hinge on whether Pirates win the title, and how the national team fares in the Americas. For now, Mofokeng will be focused on getting the Sea Robbers over the line.
It all boils down to this
Pirates have a date with destiny on the final day of the 2025-26 Betway Premiership campaign. They know that three points will deliver their first league crown in 14 years. Anything other than a win will see Sundowns win their ninth title on the bounce. Orbit vs College goes ahead on Saturday, 23 May. Kickoff is at 15:00, and the match will air on DStv channel 202.
Orlando Pirates’ title permutations on Matchday 30
After failing to beat Durban City, Pirates have to win at Orbit College on the final day to win this season’s Betway Premiership crown. Orbit has its own incentive to achieve a positive result. A win for them would potentially see them climb out of the relegation playoff slot, depending on how Marumo Gallants go against Stellenbosch. Gallants and Orbit are level on 24 points, but Gallants sit above College by virtue of a superior goal difference (-17 as opposed to Orbit’s -24). Stellies have nothing to play for, so on paper, Gallants have an easier test. However, Pirates should expect Orbit to be scrapping for their lives on what is sure to be a dramatic finale to the campaign.
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