Newly-crowned MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates now focus their attention on claiming silverware in several other competitions.
MTN8 final recap: Orlando Pirates come from behind to do the three-peat
Lehlohonolo Mojela scored a stunner in the 12th minute to put a cat among the pigeons for Stellenbosch, but Pirates hit back through big-game player Monnapule Saleng on 43 minutes. Super-sub Tshegofatso Mabasa put Pirates in front on 91 minutes amid huge controversy after a free kick was taken a few yards ahead of where the foul took place. Referee Abongile Tom allowed the goal. Relebohile Mofokeng put the icing on the cake in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. 3-1 to Pirates is how it ended. That’s R10 million prize money in the bank for the Buccaneers and another season of bragging rights over Kaizer Chiefs. The Buccaneers have scooped 13 MTN8 titles, closing in on Chiefs’ overall record of 15. Jose Riveiro has the minerals to win trophies.
Next five Betway Premiership tests for Orlando Pirates
Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers are desperate to become South African champions again. They have a relatively kind Betway Premiership schedule on the horizon. Supporters, technical staff and players will be targeting close to 15 points from this run of fixtures:
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Gallants (A) – 26 November, 19:30 kickoff
- Golden Arrows (H) – 06 December, 19:30 kickoff
Refereeing controversy taints MTN8 success?
Renowned local agent Mike Makaab wasn’t hiding his disgust at Abongile Tom’s decision to allow Tshegofatso Mabasa’s 91st-minute strike in the final. Pirates fans won’t care much as nothing can be changed now. Besides, this wasn’t even a decision that would usually need VAR intervention; referee Tom should have been close enough to the action to adjudge that the free-kick needed to be retaken from the correct spot. Yet here we are.
Will Pirates claim a treble this season? How are you feeling, Buccaneers fans?
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