By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates will play CAF Champions League football next season following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium.
Thanks to Stellenbosch’s sensational collapse, the Buccaneers lived to claim the Premier Soccer League runners-up spot on the last day of the campaign.
Tshegofatso Mabasa appeared to have placed the Buccaneers on a winning path with his 41st minute goal but Gape Moralo hit back for SuperSport on 63 minutes.
The result saw Pirates finish the season in second spot while Stellenbosch settled for third after being beaten 2-1 by Richards Bay at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
It was Stellenbosch’s third straight league defeat as they blew an opportunity to be in the Champions League.
The Maroons, however, could take solace in that they will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
In a season where they went 25 PSL games unbeaten, it was a sad end for the Cape Winelands side.
Meanwhile at the other end of the standings, Richards Bay will participate in the PSL relegation/promotion play-offs despite beating Stellenbosch.
The Natal Rich Boyz will play against University of Pretoria and Baroka FC in the play-offs.
It was an unlucky day for Richards Bay who could not avoid the playoffs despite their closest challengers Royal AM losing 2-1 to Moroka Swallows.
Pictured above: SuperSport midfielders Siphesihle Ndlovu and Grant Margeman keep possession away from Relebohile Mofikeng and Patrick Maswanganyi
Image source: Orlando Pirates
