Not since the days of Mbulelo “OJ” Mabizela in the early 2000s have Orlando Pirates been led to glory by a teenager.
Pirates have produced fantastic captains over the years but history repeated itself as rising star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19, walked to the podium after they trashed Stellenbosch FC 3-0 to lift the MTN8 trophy for the fourth season in a row.
The defender, who was named man of the match during Bafana Bafana’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria four days ago, led some who are old enough to be his father.
Mbokazi, who was given the captain’s armband after Nkosinathi Sibisi’s injury, wrote his name in the club’s history books as they beat Stellies for the second season in succession in the MTN8 final.
In a match that was played in front of a sold-out and raucous crowd in Mbombela, Pirates found a higher gear during extra time, with Tshepang Moremi shining with a brace and Tshegofatso Mabasa scoring the other goal.
For the opening goal, Sihle Nduli released substitute Oswin Appollis on the right wing, and he delivered a pinpoint cross to Moremi, and a few minutes later Mabasa put this matter beyond doubt.
With 10 minutes remaining, Moremi scored his second as Pirates once again put three past Stellies in the final of this competition.
This final was so utterly engrossing that Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had thrown away his arm sling he had been wearing after he was involved in a road accident.
This means Pirates have only lost one match in this tournament since 2022 and their only defeat was in the hands of the self-same Stellies who beat them 1-0 at Orlando Stadium two years ago but lost on away goals rule.
Ouaddou made two changes to the team that beat Chippa United in their last outing in the league, with Sipho Mbule replacing Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng starting in the place of Appollis.
Mbule was given playmaking responsibilities but he found it difficult to control the tempo of the match against Genino Palace and Mthetheleli Mthiyane who were inspired early on.
Ouaddou also showed faith in Mofokeng, and he repaid faith by his coach as he had a big say in the build-up for the second goal. Operating mostly on the left wing, Mofokeng had moments on the attack and he was involved in a cat and mouse battle with Stellies right-back Enyinnaya Godswill.
Stellies coach Steve Barker went with his tried and tested, where keeper Sage Stevens, and Thabo Moloisane and Henri Stanic in central defence were constantly threatened by Evidence Makgopa and Mabasa.
In the midfield, Palace and Mthiyane gave a good account but were ultimately overpowered by Mofokeng, Thalente Mbatha and Nduli.
Barker also had Devis Titus, Andre de Jong and Lehlohonolo Mojela on the attack but they could not get the better of the young Pirates central defensive duo of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema.
The first real action came in the 13th minute when Mbatha tested Stevens with a rocket from outside the box but the goalkeeper was equal to the task.
Pirates threatened Stellenbosch again a few minutes later, with Mbule advancing into the box but his shot was blocked by Mthiyane’s timely tackle.
Pirates started the second half with more intent, as Makgopa was denied by alert Stevens, who had cover from defender Thabo Moloisane.
Barker was the first to make changes, taking out Palace for Ibraheem Jabaar and Ashley Cupido for Mojela to try and refresh things but it didn’t work out.
Ouaddou responded soon after with Appollis coming on for the ineffective Mbule, and this change saw Mofokeng move to the creative No 10 role. where he improved his performance.
There is no time to dwell on this result as Pirates turn their attention to continental football with a game against Lesotho minnows Lioli FC in the Champions League qualifier in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
When referee Eugene Mdluli blew the final whistle, Ouaddou showed no signs of discomfort as he ran to the pitch in wild celebrations for his first trophy success in the PSL — and there was no sign of his arm sling.
Orlando Pirates (0) 3
Stellenbosch FC (0) 0
Scorers: Pirates: (Tshepang Moremi 93m, 110m) Tshegofatso Mabasa (103m), after extra time
