Sports
Pirates Retain S’ African League Title
Orlando Pirates are champions of South Africa for a second successive season after a nervous final day in the Premiership.
Pirates needed to win to be sure of the title, as they led Moroka Swallows by just two points at the start of play.
The defending champions were forced to come from 2-1 down at Golden Arrows, to win 4-2.
Swallows were denied their first league title in 47 years, despite winning 1-0 at Maritzburg United.
Pirates were trailing 2-1 in their contest at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, before Siyabonga Sangweni levelled before the interval.
The experienced striker Benni McCarthy then netted just past the hour mark, as Pirates placed one hand on the trophy.
Elsewhere, Swallows then took the lead through Lefa Tsutsulupa moments after a goal had been disallowed.
An equaliser for Golden Arrows would have gifted Swallows the title on goal difference, but McCarthy made sure with his second of the afternoon in the final minute.
Pirates midfielder, Daine Klate becomes the first man to win five Premiership titles in a row. He won three while with SuperSport United, and now two with Pirates.
This win also gives Pirates a second successive domestic treble. They had already won the South African League Cup and Top 8 Cup.
SuperSport United secured third place after a 2-1 win at Bloemfontein Celtic . Mamelodi Sundowns won 1-0 at home to Free State Stars to finish fourth.
At the other end of the table, already-relegated Jomo Cosmos lost 1-0 at Santos. That victory was not enough to guarantee top-flight survival for Santos, who must now go into the relegation play-off after finishing second from bottom.
Black Leopards avoided the fate now facing Santos as they beat Ajax Cape Town 3-1.
And BidVest Wits ended the season on a high. Goals from Katlego Pule and Bongo Jayiya gave Wits a 2-0 win at Platinum Stars, their first league victory of 2012.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.