Title Decider Relocated! Why Orbit Can’t Host Pirates At Royal Bafokeng Stadium

The potential coronation of Orlando Pirates as Betway Premiership champions has hit a logistical snag.

The Soweto Giants’ crucial clash against Orbit College on 23 May will no longer take place at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

This comes after the stadium was declared unavailable, a development confirmed by Orbit in a statement released on Tuesday.

The club added that it is currently working on securing an alternative venue to host the fixture, which could see Pirates win the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 season.

Orbit also confirmed that the venue for the match is expected to be announced on Friday. The club is currently battling for survival in the league.

Pirates remain locked in a fierce title race with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with two matches remaining before the Soweto giants conclude their season.

They are second on the table with 65 points from 28 matches, three points behind league leaders Sundowns.

Pirates could clinch the league title this weekend if Sundowns lose to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

However, Pirates’ task is straightforward — with a superior goal difference, winning both of their remaining matches should be enough to secure the title, starting with their clash against Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Orbit, who were promoted through the playoffs last season, are under pressure near the bottom of the table. They sit 14th with 24 points from 28 matches.

They are just one point ahead of 15th-placed Marumo Gallants, who occupy the relegation playoff spot, and three points above bottom side Magesi FC.

Before facing Pirates, Orbit College will first travel to take on Stellenbosch FC in their penultimate match of the season on Saturday.