Orlando Pirates secured the South African league championship on May 23, 2026, by defeating Orbit College 2-0 in Nelspruit. Both goals came from own goals by the opposition, handing Pirates their first league title in 14 years [1, 2].
The victory brought Orlando Pirates to 69 points for the season, finishing just one point ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who completed their domestic campaign with 68 points before the final matchday [1, 2].
Mamelodi Sundowns had held a record run of eight successive league titles, but their streak ended with Pirates edging them out this season [1, 2]. Sundowns were also competing in the African Champions League final on May 24, the day after the league concluded [1, 2].
This championship came under the guidance of Abdeslam Ouaddou, who was in his first full season as Orlando Pirates head coach [1, 2].
The league-clinching match against Orbit College marked a decisive moment for Pirates, who capitalized on key mistakes by their opponents. The team’s ability to hold the narrow points lead through the campaign secured their long-awaited title [1, 2].
With the league season complete, attention now turns to the African Champions League final played by Sundowns on May 24, marking the next major event for South African club football [1, 2].