Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana has sparked debate after admitting that he has mixed feelings about the club’s long-awaited Betway Premiership title victory, despite celebrating the end of a 14-year wait for league glory.
The Buccaneers enjoyed a memorable campaign, completing a historic treble by winning the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Betway Premiership title. Their success ended years of frustration and saw them finally dethrone rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who had been chasing a record-extending ninth consecutive league championship.
However, the manner in which Pirates secured the title has become a major talking point within South African football.
The Soweto giants clinched the championship with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College in the final match of the season. What made the result unusual was that both goals were own goals, with goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo responsible for the first before defender Ndumiso Ngiba inadvertently scored the second.
The outcome not only handed Orlando Pirates the league title but also confirmed Orbit College’s relegation from the top flight.
Speaking after the Khabba Cup tournament at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Sikhosana admitted that while many supporters were celebrating the achievement, questions continued to linger about the circumstances surrounding the decisive victory.
The former Pirates striker expressed concern over the nature of the two own goals and suggested that some aspects of the match left him uncomfortable. He also noted that certain reactions from players involved in the incidents had raised eyebrows among observers.
Although Sikhosana stopped short of making any direct allegations, his comments have intensified discussions among supporters and football analysts. Some fans have questioned the unusual nature of the goals, while others insist there is no evidence to suggest anything improper occurred.
Known affectionately as “Legs of Thunder” during his playing days, Sikhosana remains one of Orlando Pirates’ most respected figures, and his views carry significant weight within the football community.
His remarks serve as a reminder that while trophies are ultimately what teams strive for, the manner in which success is achieved can sometimes become just as important as the silverware itself.
For now, Orlando Pirates remain the rightful league champions, but the debate surrounding the dramatic final-day victory appears unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
