Pirates’ Title Hopes Lifted By Confirmed Orbit Team News

Orlando Pirates head into their final Betway Premiership fixture of the 2025/26 season with crucial player updates ahead of a potentially historic afternoon against Orbit College FC at Mbombela Stadium.

The Buccaneers have been boosted by having almost all of their key players available for the clash, while Orbit will be without two important players, with Yanga Madiba and Thuso Moleleki both unavailable for the encounter.

Read: Nkota Facing Tough Period After Injury And Family Setbacks

Madiba and Moleleki are both on loan from Pirates and, as part of the agreement between the clubs, are unable to feature against their parent side in this decisive clash.

“Orbit will also have a few absentees heading into the match with fullback Yanga Madiba and attacking midfielder Thuso Moleleki both unavailable,” Pirates confirmed on their official website.

With the title race set to go down to the wire, the Buccaneers arrive in Mpumalanga knowing that victory is essential if they are to stand any chance of lifting the league trophy.

Pirates trail already-finished leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by two points heading into the final round, meaning anything less than three points would end their challenge.

The Soweto giants missed a golden opportunity in their previous outing after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena, a result that denied them the chance to move to the summit before the final weekend.

Having already secured two domestic trophies this season with the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, Pirates are now chasing a third piece of silverware to cap off what has been a memorable campaign under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Orbit, however, have ambitions of their own.

The newly promoted side have spent most of their debut top-flight campaign fighting to stay afloat and currently find themselves in 15th place on the standings.

The Mswenko Boys are desperate to avoid the relegation play-offs, while the threat of automatic relegation still looms heading into the final matchday.

That sets the stage for a dramatic encounter where both sides have everything to play for – one chasing championship glory and the other battling to preserve their Premiership status.

Read: Pirates Title Hopes Rest On Key Selection Decisions

The clash is undoubtedly the standout fixture of the final round and promises a tense conclusion to one of the most gripping Betway Premiership seasons in recent memory.

Predicted Pirates XI: Sipho Chaine, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Deon Hotto, Makhehleni Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa.