A spectacular season finale as Pirates celebrate the championship. The symbolic team of Matchday 30 in the Betway Premiership
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The final matches of the 2025/26 season have been played in the South African Betway Premiership.
Mamelodi and Polokwane faced off earlier in May, while the remaining seven fixtures took place on the 23rd. All eyes were on the Orbit College vs. Orlando Pirates clash. Ouaddou's men secured victory and, for the first time in 14 years, claimed the South African championship, simultaneously relegating their opponents to the Motsepe Foundation.
Magesi, despite a win over Richards Bay, will have to contest the play-offs. The participants of the MTN 8 Cup have also been decided.
All matchday 30 results:
- Mamelodi Sundowns — Polokwane — 3:0
- Durban City — AmaZulu — 0:1
- Golden Arrows — TS Galaxy — 0:0
- Kaizer Chiefs — Chippa United — 0:1
- Magesi — Richards Bay — 1:0
- Marumo Gallants — Stellenbosch — 0:0
- Orbit College — Orlando Pirates — 0:2
- Sekhukhune United — Siwelele— 2:2
Dailysports presents to you the symbolic team of matchday 30 in the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Edward Maova (Golden Arrows)
The Golden Arrows goalkeeper was a key architect of the clean sheet, making three saves—all from inside the penalty area—and posting a prevented goals stat of 0.52. Beyond his reliability at the back, Maova was composed in building attacks: he finished the match with 93% passing accuracy, losing possession just twice all game.
Right-back: Nkosikhona Radebe (AmaZulu)
Nkosikhona Radebe earned his spot in the team of the week with a decisive performance in AmaZulu’s 1-0 win over Durban City. The defender not only scored the winning goal (from an xG of just 0.05) but also contributed in attack with three key passes and eight crosses. Radebe was excellent off the ball too, winning eight of ten duels, making three clearances and a key interception.
Centre-back: Brendon Moloisane (Stellenbosch)
Brendon Moloisane delivered a rock-solid performance against Stellenbosch (0:0), playing the full 90 and ensuring stability at the heart of defence. He was strong in duels (winning 2 of 3), added two clearances and one clean tackle, never allowing the opposition to gain a foothold in his area.
Centre-back: Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Nkosinathi Sibisi put in a textbook display against Orbit College (2:0), anchoring the Pirates’ backline. He went the full 90 minutes with an outstanding 95% pass accuracy (82/86) and was instrumental in building from the back. Sibisi dominated possession with 29 ball progressions, won an aerial duel, and recovered possession six times.
Left-back: Neo Rapoo (Siwelele)
Neo Rapoo put on a powerful display against Sekhukhune (2:2), emerging as one of his team’s standout performers. He registered an assist (xA 0.43), created a big chance, and was a constant threat down the flank. Rapoo also did the dirty work: 10 defensive actions, 6 clearances, 2 tackles, and 2 interceptions.
Central midfielder: Goodman Mosele (Chippa United)
Goodman Mosele was nearly flawless in central midfield against Kaizer Chiefs. The midfielder completed 94% of his passes, going 16-for-16 on the opponent’s half. Mosele was just as vital defensively, tallying three tackles, four interceptions, three clearances, nine ball recoveries, and winning all five ground duels.
Central midfielder: Samuel Darpoh (Magesi)
Samuel Darpoh was a driving force versus Richards Bay, posting an impressive xA of 0.37 and constantly advancing the ball, creating several dangerous moments. He also put in the hard yards defensively: 8 recoveries, 5 defensive actions, and 6 ground duels won.
Central midfielder: Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Thalente Mbatha put in a composed shift against Orbit College (2:0), playing 70 minutes and controlling the tempo in midfield. He boasted an 82% pass accuracy (including 6/8 on long balls) and consistently advanced possession. Defensively, Mbatha was flawless, winning all three tackles and not losing a single ground duel.
Left winger: Mcedi Vandala (Magesi)
Mcedi Vandala was the hero of the match against Richards Bay (1:0), scoring the lone and decisive goal (xG 1.5) while consistently terrorizing the opposition defence—firing five shots, three on target. The winger was a constant threat, recording four successful dribbles and two key passes. Despite missing two chances, his persistence and high work rate up front were crucial to Magesi’s victory, which kept them out of automatic relegation from the Betway Premiership.
Right winger: Tshepo Mokoane (Sekhukhune)
Tshepo Mokoane made a bright impact against Siwelele despite playing only 45 minutes. He scored a goal (xG 0.15), fired a shot on target (xGOT 0.35), and added two key passes, constantly sparking danger in the final third.
Centre forward: Bright Ndlovu (Sekhukhune)
Bright Ndlovu delivered a superb performance against Siwelele, serving as the driving force of his team’s attack. He notched a goal and an assist (xG 0.99), fired six shots (three on target), and kept the opposition defence on constant alert. His dominance in duels stood out: nine aerials won out of 13, and six victories in nine ground duels.
Head coach: Abdeslam Ouaddou (Orlando Pirates)
Ouaddou’s arrival at the Pirates helm before the season looked promising, but few expected such an outcome. Orlando not only challenged Mamelodi, but also dethroned Sundowns, who had held the title for the past eight years. The manager also led the team to triumph in both the MTN 8 Cup and the Nedbank Cup, etching his name into club history forever.
