TREBLE: Pirates Dethrone Downs To Claim 26/27 Title

Orlando Pirates have secured their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years after defeating Orbit College on the final day of the season.

Result: Orbit College 0-2 Orlando Pirates

After dropping points against Durban City last weekend, the Buccaneers knew that only a victory would secure their first league title since 2012, but they came against an Orbit side who were looking to avoid relegation.

Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes for the clash as Ndaba and Tshepang Moremi were recalled to the starting line-up in place of Deon Hotto and Patrick Maswanganyi, who dropped to the bench. Orbit, meanwhile, made a total of nine changes for the encounter, which included a return for Sabelo Nkomo, who has not featured in the team's last 12 matches.

Unfortunately for Pirates, Orbit opted to set up in the same way as Durban City last week as they defended with 11 players behind the ball while the Soweto giants dominated from the onset, but they struggled to get clear-cut chances in the box.

The Orbit defence's resistance was penetrated after 33 minutes when after Oswin Appollis delightfully sent Moremi through on goal but with only Nkomo to beat, the speedy winger sent his effort over the crossbar.

However, the hosts were gifted the opening goal on the stroke of halftime when goalkeeper Nkomo punched the ball into his own net while trying to clear Moremi's in-swinging corner.

The Buccaneers were able to carry that momentum into the second half and were gifted a second goal five minutes after the break when Orbit defender Ndumiso Ngiba knocked the ball into his own net for another goal.

It was more of the same in the second half, even with Orbit making five changes immediately after conceding the second goal although the Buccaneers did not take their foot off the pedal as Appollis continued to lead the charge.

There were some more openings for the Soweto giants in the latter stages of the second half, but the likes of Evidence Makgopa and Maswaganyi were unable to find the back of the net as the two goals were enough to seal their first league title since 2012.

Meanwhile, Orbit have officially been relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Oswin Appollis was part of every good move going forward in both halves. The Bafana winger also showed his work-rate off the ball.

Thalente Mbatha was a real force in the Buccaneers midfield throughout the 90 minutes. He kept things ticking on the ball and played the key pass for the second goal while he also did well to protect the back four.