Orlando Pirates Break Club Records in Victory Against Stellenbosch Amid Intense Title Battle

Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi netted the crucial goals to clinch the victory on a challenging evening at Athlone Stadium, positioning Pirates only two points adrift of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Brazilians face Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday evening, with Pirates supporters fervently hoping for an Amakhosi triumph, a most uncommon occurrence.

Pirates etched two historic milestones in this match, highlighting their outstanding campaign, although it is uncertain if these achievements will secure the championship, their first since the 2011/12 season.

Highest Points Tally for Pirates in a 30-Match PSL Season

Pirates established a fresh club benchmark for the highest points accumulated in a 30-match Betway Premiership season by reaching 62 points.

This surpasses their prior best of 61 points from the 2002/03 season, when they claimed the title, and also from the previous campaign, where they placed second to Sundowns. That earlier season featured only 28 matches following Royal AM's withdrawal midway through.

With three straightforward fixtures left, they might shatter this record but still fall short of the trophy.

A 62-point haul would have secured the Betway Premiership crown in 17 out of the initial 18 seasons after the format shifted to 30 games in 2002/03.

However, from 2020/21 onwards, a minimum of 65 points has been required due to Sundowns' stronghold on the league.

Should Pirates prevail in their remaining encounters against struggling teams Magesi FC, Orbit College, and Durban City, they would conclude with 71 points. This outcome appears highly probable.

Such a total would have clinched the title in every 30-match season except the most recent two, during which Sundowns amassed 73 points.

Clean Sheet Milestone for Chaine

Sipho Chaine recorded his 18th shutout in the Betway Premiership this season versus Stellenbosch, surpassing the Pirates record previously held by Moeneeb Josephs in 2009/10.

This ties him with the all-time Betway Premiership leader, Sundowns' Ronwen Williams, who achieved 18 in the 2022/23 season.

Given their upcoming schedule, Chaine is poised to eclipse this mark and secure at least one additional clean sheet.

Chaine has conceded just 12 goals across 27 league appearances this term, featuring in every moment for the Buccaneers.

Merely Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants have breached Pirates' defence for more than a single goal in any match this season.