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Orbit College vs Orlando Pirates Predictions - Pirates to end Sundowns eight-year PSL dominance

ralph-staniforth
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Last updated: Thu 21 May 2026 22:55
Orlando Pirates are just one victory away from clinching the PSL title after a decade, relying only on themselves as they face Orbit College. Pirates' recent form is impressive, with 20 wins in their last 27 PSL matches, and they have been formidable in both attack and defense. In contrast, Orbit College is struggling near the bottom with just one win in their last nine games and missing key experienced players. Experts tip Pirates for a dominant win, likely keeping a clean sheet.
Ralph Staniforth 21 May 2026
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  • Pirates must win to secure their first PSL title since 2012; draw/lose means Sundowns win the league.
  • Pirates have won 20 of last 27 PSL games; Orbit College has one win in nine and faces relegation trouble.
  • Key players are missing for Orbit, making Pirates heavy favorites for a decisive victory.
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Orlando Pirates backed for big win vs Orbit to secure PSL Title (Getty Images).

The equation is simple for Pirates - win the match and they are PSL champions. Lose or draw, and Sundowns win it for the ninth straight year. Given their recent form, Pirates should see this game out, despite Orbit College being desperate for points to avoid relegation.

Pirates Form too Good


  • Orbit College have lost 5 of their last 9 matches.
  • Orbit College have failed to score in their last 2 matches.
  • Orlando Pirates have won 17 of their last 24 matches.
  • Orlando Pirates have scored 22 goals in their last 8 matches (2.75 goals per game).
  • Orlando Pirates have kept 16 clean sheets in their last 23 matches. 

Pirates Won Previous Clash


This is Orbit College's first venture in the PSL, so they met for the first time earlier this season. Pirates won that match 1-0.

Orbit with One Win in last Nine


Orbit sit 15th in the table and are currently heading into the relegation playoffs. Their last nine matches have yielded just one victory. 

After four defeats in five matches, they drew 1-1 at Durban City and secured a key 2-1 win at relegation rivals Magesi despite being outshot 18-6. A 0-0 home draw followed vs AmaZulu with a 12-3 shot count in Orbit’s favour. 

Their last match saw a 2-0 loss away to Stellenbosch to drop down from 14th to 15th in the table.

20 wins in last 27 PSL games for Pirates


Pirates have won 20 of their last 27 PSL matches. They need a win here to be crowned league champions for the first time since the 2011-12 season, as well as securing a domestic treble. 

They beat AmaZulu 3-0 with 3.97 xG produced before a 1-1 draw vs Kaizer Chiefs. A 2-0 win away at Stellenbosch and 3-0 win at Magesi followed as Mamelodi Sundowns dropped points in the title race.

Bucs could have won the title in round 29, but they could only draw 0-0 at home to Durban City. They outshot their opponents 31-4 and allowed City just two touches inside the Pirates box.

Orbit College vs Orlando Pirates Predicted Lineups & News


Orbit College (4-2-3-1): Moerane; Vilakazi, Ngiba, Nhlapo, Jingana; Batsi, Thibedi; Moleleki, Mabele, Khoto; Mahlatsi.

Coach Pogiso Makhoye is without four highly experienced players. Central defenders Rama Mphahlele and Brian Onyango are set to miss out. 

Veteran wingers Lesedi Kapinga and Bradley Ralani are also unavailable. Winger Gomelemo Khoto has scored three goals in the last eight matches and is set to start against his parent club.

Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1): Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Selepe, Mbatha; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Makgopa.

Orlando Pirates remain without injured duo Sihle Nduli and Tapelo Xoki in midfield and defence respectively. Youngster Simphiwe Selepe could start again in midfield. 

Left winger Tshepang Moremi is back from injury. He could be recalled with Patrick Maswanganyi dropping to the bench.

Verdict

I'm tipping Bucs to win to zero and by a big margin. 

Best Bet1: Pirates win to nil Full Time Result @4/6 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Pirates Over 2.5 Goals Team Goals @20/21 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Orbit 0-3 Pirates Correct Score @11/2 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Pirates win to nil
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Orbit College v Orlando Pirates