Title Decision: Reasons Orbit Can’t Allow Pirates to Play at Royal Bafokeng Stadium
The highly anticipated coronation of Orlando Pirates as Betway Premiership champions faces a logistical obstacle.
The pivotal match for the Soweto Giants against Orbit College, scheduled for May 23, will no longer occur at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
This alteration is due to the stadium’s unavailability, as detailed in a statement from Orbit released on Tuesday.
The club has indicated that they are actively seeking an alternative venue for the match, which could enable Pirates to secure the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
Orbit also mentioned that the new venue will be disclosed on Friday, as they continue their fight for survival in the league.
Pirates are currently in a tough title race with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with only two matches left in their season.
At present, they occupy the second position on the table with 65 points from 28 matches, trailing league leaders Sundowns by three points.
If Sundowns were to be defeated by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, Pirates could potentially claim the league title this weekend.
However, their path to victory is straightforward—thanks to a superior goal difference, winning their final matches would likely suffice for the title, starting with a match against Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
In contrast, Orbit, who were promoted through last season’s playoffs, find themselves under pressure at the bottom of the table, currently sitting in 14th place with 24 points from 28 matches.
They are just one point above 15th-placed Marumo Gallants, who are in the relegation playoff position, and three points clear of last-placed Magesi FC.
Before facing Pirates, Orbit College will first travel to play against Stellenbosch FC in their second-last match of the season on Saturday.
