Orlando Pirates Eye Title Clincher as Orbit College Venue Shifts
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) season is reaching its climax, and Orlando Pirates find themselves on the brink of a league title. To seal the championship, the Buccaneers must win their final two fixtures – a home match against Durban City this weekend and the season‑ending clash with relegation‑threatened Orbit College on Saturday, 23 May 2024.
Venue Change Confirmed
Orbit College’s general manager confirmed on Tuesday that the originally scheduled venue, Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, will not host the finale. The 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium is undergoing renovations, making it unavailable for the high‑stakes encounter.
In a statement released the same day, Orbit said they were “in the process of finding an alternative, compliant venue capable of hosting a game of this magnitude.” The club added that final confirmation regarding the venue will be communicated by Friday, 15 May 2024.
Why FNB or Mbombela Are the Likely Choices
Media reports and club insiders point to two venues as the most probable hosts: FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
- FNB Stadium – Often referred to as “Soccer City,” it has a seated capacity of 94,736 and is the traditional home of Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates have used it as an alternative venue in the past, and its size comfortably accommodates the expected crowd for a title‑deciding match.
- Mbombela Stadium – Built for the 2010 World Cup, it holds approximately 40,929 spectators. The stadium has previously hosted PSL fixtures and offers a modern infrastructure that meets league safety and compliance standards.
A source close to Orbit’s operations ruled out Dobsonville Stadium, citing its limited capacity. “Dobsonville holds around 20,000 fans. When we hosted Mamelodi Sundowns at Olympia Park earlier this season, attendance neared 30,000. Playing at Dobsonville would create severe overcrowding and safety concerns,” the source explained.
Olympia Park (Royal Bafokeng Stadium) itself has been flagged for security and compliance risks during major games, as evidenced by the Sundowns match in March where crowd management proved challenging.
Interestingly, Orbit had previously used Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha for a match against Kaizer Chiefs on 6 April 2024. Despite being a registered alternative, the club has not explained why that venue was not reconsidered for the Pirates showdown.
PSL Regulations on Venue Usage
The Premier Soccer League allows each club to register one primary home ground and two alternative venues. If the registered venues are unavailable, teams may play matches outside those locations, provided the alternative meets league standards for safety, security, and facilities.
Orbit College has already utilized two of its three registered venues this season: Olympia Park (Royal Bafokeng) and Dobsonville Stadium. Since Royal Bafokeng remains under renovation, the club is now seeking a third‑party venue that satisfies PSL criteria.
Attempts to obtain comment from Bertie Grobbelaar of Stadium Management SA (SMSA), which manages FNB Stadium, and from Mbombela city spokesman Joseph Ngala were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Historical Context: Pirates’ Last Title at Royal Bafokeng
Orlando Pirates last clinched the league championship at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in 2003. A victory there this season would have mirrored that historic feat, but the ongoing renovations prevent a repeat. Should Pirates secure the title elsewhere, it will add another chapter to their storied history of winning in diverse venues across South Africa.
What Pirates Need to Do
To be crowned 2023/24 PSL champions, Orlando Pirates must:
- Win their home match against Durban City this weekend.
- Secure a victory (or at least a draw, depending on Durban City’s result) against Orbit College on 23 May.
If both results go in their favor, Pirates will lift the trophy regardless of where the final game is played. The shift in venue adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a tense finale, and fans across the country will be watching closely to see whether the Buccaneers can add another league title to their illustrious record.
