Title Decision: Why Orbit Can’t Host Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium
The much-awaited coronation of Orlando Pirates as Betway Premiership champions encounters a logistical hurdle.
The crucial match for the Soweto Giants against Orbit College, set for May 23, will no longer take place at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
This change arises from the stadium’s unavailability, as confirmed by Orbit in a statement released on Tuesday.
The club indicated they are currently working on securing an alternative venue for the match, which could allow Pirates to clinch the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
Orbit also revealed that the new venue will be announced on Friday, as they continue their struggle for survival in the league.
Pirates are in a fierce title race with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with two matches remaining in their season.
Currently, they hold the second position on the table with 65 points from 28 matches, trailing league leaders Sundowns by three points.
If Sundowns were to lose to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, Pirates could potentially secure the league title this weekend.
However, their road to victory is clear—a superior goal difference means that winning their final matches is likely to be enough for the title, beginning with a game against Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
On the other hand, Orbit, who earned promotion through the playoffs last season, find themselves under pressure near the table’s bottom, currently in 14th place with 24 points from 28 matches.
They sit just one point above 15th-placed Marumo Gallants, who are in the relegation playoff position, and three points clear of last-placed Magesi FC.
Before facing Pirates, Orbit College will first travel to compete against Stellenbosch FC in their penultimate match of the season on Saturday.
