By Jonews Reporter
ORLANDO PIRATES on Saturday became the new 2002/2003 Castle Premier Soccer League champions after playing to a 1-all draw with Wits University at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
But Pirates had to sweat for the draw after Wits opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Benson Mhlongo. Pirates' equaliser came only in the 88th minute when striker Lesley Manyathela unleashed a powerful shot that slipped out of Wayne Roberts' hands into the net.
The victory also coincides with Bucs' 65th anniversary, giving The Ghost an added reason to celebrate.
Coach Roy Baretto was ecstatic: "This tastes really sweet. There were 80 long minutes out there before we got the goal. It's been a hard year for all the players but all credit to them, they've got what they worked for."
Pirates have collected 60 points from 29 games, and still have a game in hand. Their last game of the season against Jomo Cosmos next week is of academic interest only.
Previous Castle Premiership winners:
- 1996-1997: Manning Rangers
- 1997-1998: Sundowns
- 1998-1999: Sundowns
- 1999-2000: Sundowns
- 2000-2001: Orlando Pirates
- 2001-2002: Santos
- 2002-2003: Orlando Pirates
