Orlando Pirates are heading back to the CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates boosted their Betway Premiership title ambitions with a composed 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night.

The win saw the Buccaneers move within two points of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, keeping the title race alive with just three matches remaining.

Represent South Africa

In addition, Orlando Pirates confirmed their spot in next season’s CAF Champions League as they can no longer finish outside the top two places in the final league standings.

The Buccaneers will once again join Masandawana in representing South Africa in Africa’s premier club competition in the 2026/27 season.

While Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the final of this season’s CAF Champions League, Orlando Pirates were eliminated in the second round on penalties by Congolese side Football Club Saint-Éloi Lupopo.

Fast start, patient breakthrough

Despite tricky underfoot conditions, Orlando Pirates started brightly, with early chances falling to Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi, both unable to find the target.

Stellenbosch enjoyed a brief spell of pressure midway through the first half, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organised Orlando Pirates defence.

The breakthrough finally came just before the interval when Maswanganyi delivered a pinpoint free-kick that found Evidence Makgopa, who rose above the defence to head home.

Patrick Maswanganyi seals it

Orlando Pirates doubled their advantage shortly after, with Maswanganyi turning scorer.

His delivery into the box evaded everyone – including the goalkeeper – and found the back of the net for his eighth league goal of the season.

Solid second-half display

Stellenbosch attempted to respond after the break, but Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was rarely troubled, dealing comfortably with the few efforts that came his way.

The closest the hosts came was through Genino Palace, whose effort forced a sharp save from Chaine, tipping the ball onto the post.

Orlando Pirates had chances to extend their lead late on, with Relebohile Mofokeng and Cemran Dansin both going close, the latter striking the woodwork.

Title race intensifies

In the end, the Buccaneers’ first-half efficiency proved decisive, as they secured a vital three points and completed a league double over their Winelands opponents.

With momentum back on their side, Orlando Pirates remain firmly in the hunt – and with the gap at the top narrowing, the Betway Premiership title race is far from over.