Fresh off securing Orbit College FC’s fairytale promotion to the DStv Premiership, master tactician Pogiso Makhoye has thrown down the gauntlet to Orlando Pirates, declaring his readiness for top-flight football.
The Rustenburg-based TVET institution made history on Wednesday with a gritty 1-0 playoff victory over Cape Town City at Olympia Stadium, courtesy of Letsei Koapeng’s second-half strike. The result sealed their top-flight status while condemning the Citizens to relegation in a dramatic finale.
Makhoye’s Mswenko Boys completed their remarkable rise from obscurity by finishing the promotional playoffs unbeaten (2 wins, 2 draws), building on their second-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Their Cinderella story included back-to-back 1-0 victories, having edged Casric Stars last Saturday at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
“Today we’ve shown that tactical discipline and belief can overcome financial muscle,” an emotional Makhoye told journalists post-match. “To Dr. Irvin Khoza and Orlando Pirates – I’m ready for the big league. Come test this football brain against your star-studded squad.”
The bold declaration sets up an intriguing subplot for next season, with Orbit College becoming the first TVET institution to reach South Africa’s elite division. Their promotion completes a meteoric rise since joining the ABC Motsepe League in 2019, proving that Makhoye’s blend of youth development and tactical innovation can compete with established clubs.
As Cape Town City faces the agony of relegation, Orbit’s triumph offers hope to grassroots football programs nationwide. All eyes now turn to the PSL fixtures announcement, where Makhoye may get his wish for a David vs Goliath clash against the Buccaneers.