Orlando Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Selepe reacts to breakthrough performance

The 21-year-old midfielder delivered a mature Man-of-the-Match display as Pirates defeated Orbit College 2-0 at Mbombela Stadium to secure the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title ahead of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

Selepe had spent most of the campaign on the fringes of the senior team and only made his first-team debut last week against Durban City.

However, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou placed his trust in the youngster for the biggest match of the season, and Selepe repaid that faith with a commanding midfield performance.

Speaking after the final whistle, the emotional midfielder admitted the moment was difficult to believe after such a frustrating season personally.

"I would firstly like to thank the team for the opportunity, and God for the talent," Selepe told SuperSport TV.

"I'm very emotional. From not playing the whole season to coming here to Mbombela in just my second game and winning Man-of-the-Match, I'm just so happy and don't know what to say.

"The coach told me to just play my football. Because I went such a long time without playing, my confidence was down, so the focus was just on rebuilding my confidence ahead of today's game."

Pirates entered the final day needing maximum points to overtake Sundowns and complete a remarkable domestic treble after already lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies this season.

Despite dominating possession, the Buccaneers battled to break down a stubborn Orbit side and eventually benefited from two own goals.

Goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo and defender Ndumiso Ngiba both turned the ball into their own net as Pirates sealed one of the most memorable title triumphs in the club's history.