Orlando Pirates secured a 3-1 comeback win over Stellenbosch to complete a three-peat of the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
In an end-to-end affair befitting of the occasion, Stellenbosch ran out the blocks quicker and took a deserved lead after 13 minutes, through the man of the moment, Lehlohonolo Mojela.
The 28-year-old forward who joined the club in the off-season from TS Galaxy, netted a stunning acrobatic effort after 13 minutes to stun the Moses Mabhida Stadium, packed to the rafters with the Buccaneers faithful, as expected, dominating the numbers.
But Pirates managed to claw their way back into the game, finding a timely equaliser when Monnapule Saleng beat Sage Stephens two minutes before the break, profiting from a rebound of Deon Hotto’s free-kick.
The second half, saw both sides continuing the fluid counter-attacking football, and Stephens was at hand to keep the Cape Winelands side in the game, especially once the tempo swung with the to Pirates favour after several substitutions.
And it was Tshegofatso Mabasa, who came on for Evedince Makgopa to net a shock winner in extra-time after a quick free kick with Maswanganyi to put Pirates ahead and Relebohile Mofokeng added a stunning third to seal the title in the 96th minute.
