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Orlando Pirates celebrate MTN8 winBackpagepix
Celine Abrahams

Winners and losers: Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis turn up the heat as Orlando Pirates clinch fourth-straight MTN8, ending Stellenbosch’s hopes

The Buccaneers dominated extra time, shutting down every threat from the Cape Winelands side to successfully defend their title for a fourth consecutive year.

Abdeslam Ouaddou will be pleased with his substitutions, as Tshepang Moremi netted a brace and Tshegofatso Mabasa also found the back of the net. Oswin Appollis made his mark off the bench as well, providing assists for two of the three goals.

With this victory, the Buccaneers have firmly stamped their authority on the MTN8, continuing the success established under former coach Jose Riveiro. 

Despite facing pressure, Ouaddou has now claimed his first trophy with the team just months into his tenure.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Mbombela Stadium. 

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  • Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates celebrates Tshepang Moremi's goalBackpagepix

    WINNER: Oswin Appollis

    The 24-year-old proved instrumental after coming off the bench, injecting much-needed energy and creativity into Pirates’ attack. His influence was pivotal, as he went on to provide assists for both Moremi’s opening goal and the decisive strike that sealed the victory. 

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  • Lehlohonolo Mojela of StellenboschBackpagepix

    LOSER: Lehlohonolo Mojela

    Heading into the match, many had expected Mojela to trouble Pirates’ defence and perhaps even make his mark on the scoresheet. However, he struggled to assert himself and posed far less of a threat than anticipated.  

    Ultimately, his impact was limited, and he was eventually taken off the field, leaving Pirates’ backline untroubled.

  • Tshepang Moremi of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    WINNER: Tshepang Moremi

    An incredible super-sub for the Buccaneers, he came on with passion and intensity, playing with his heart on his sleeve. Introduced in the 75th minute, he completely changed the flow of the game, turning the tide in Pirates’ favour.

    His brilliant brace and assist was the perfect finishing touch, capping off a match-winning performance that will be remembered by fans.

  • Sage Stephens of StellenboschBackpagepix

    LOSER: Sage Stephens

    Although Stephens had put in a solid shift for much of the game, making a number of important saves before conceding three goals, he will no doubt look back with regret at the moment that opened the floodgates. 

    The goalkeeper should have done better to close his legs, but his lapse in concentration allowed Moremi to calmly slot the ball through and into the back of the net. 

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    WINNER: Abdeslam Ouaddou

    Pressure had been mounting on the Moroccan coach, with early calls for his dismissal following a shaky start to the season. However, his timely and impactful substitutions in the final proved decisive for the team’s triumph.  

    This victory will undoubtedly strengthen Ouaddou’s support as he continues to steer the Buccaneers forward. 

  • Omega Mdaka of StellenboschBackpagepix

    LOSER: Stellenbosch

    For the second MTN8 final in succession, the Cape Winelands outfit fell short of the podium, once again leaving empty-handed. Throughout the contest, they showed flashes of quality, producing patches of enterprising play and moments of real brilliance. 

    However, their efforts lacked consistency and their inability to find the back of the net meant they could not leave a lasting mark on the final.