Orlando Pirates F.C.

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Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates FC logo.svg
Full nameOrlando Pirates Football Club
Nickname(s)
  • The Sea Robbers
  • The Bucs
  • Happy People
  • Buccaneers
  • Ezimnyama Ngenkani (Black By Force)
  • Ezikamagebhula Ezagebhula Umhlaba kamasipala
  • Mabhakabhaka Yeses[ citation needed ]
Short namePirates
Founded1937;87 years ago (1937), as Orlando Boys Club
Ground Orlando Stadium
Capacity37,313 [1]
Chairman Irvin Khoza
Manager José Riveiro
League Betway Premiership
2023–24 2nd of 16
Website www.orlandopiratesfc.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Orlando Pirates Football Club (often known as "The Buccaneers") is a South African professional football club based in Orlando, Soweto that plays in the top-tier system of Football in South Africa known as Betway Premiership. The team plays its home matches at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. [2]

Contents

The club was founded in 1937 and was originally based in Orlando, Soweto. [3] They were named "amapirate" which means 'Pirates' in IsiZulu after the band of teenagers that originally formed an amateur football club at Orlando Boys Club broke away and started congregating at the home of one of the people that worked at Orlando Boys Club. [4] Orlando Pirates are the first club since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996 to have won three major trophies in a single season back to back, having won the domestic league ABSA Premiership, the domestic cup Nedbank Cup and the Top 8 Cup MTN 8 during the ABSA Premiership 2010–11 season and domestic league ABSA Premiership, the League Cup Telkom Knockout and the Top 8 Cup MTN 8 during the ABSA Premiership 2011–12 season. [5] They are one of only two South African teams with Mamelodi Sundowns to win the CAF Champions League, which they won in 1995 and were runners up of 2013 CAF Champions League.

They are also the runners-up of the 2015 and 2021–2022 CAF Confederation Cup. [6]

In total Orlando pirates have appeared in four Confederation of African Football finals, that is more continental finals than any other Premier Soccer League side.

The club has won nine league titles and 88 trophies in total including 10 South African cup trophies. [7]

In 2024 they became the first team to win three consecutive MTN 8 finals. [8]

History

Orlando Pirates is one of South Africa's oldest football clubs having been established in 1937 in Orlando East, Soweto. [3] [9]

Early years

The founders of Orlando Pirates included the offspring of migrant workers who moved from rural areas to work in the gold mines of Gauteng. Boys in Orlando came together at every available opportunity in open spaces and in informal groupings to play football. The original club was formed in 1934 by a group of teenagers at the Orlando Boys Club. [4] Andries Mkhwanazi, popularly known as "Pele Pele", was a boxing instructor at the Orlando Boys Club when he encouraged formation of a football club in 1937 and a year later those teenagers were competing among the minors of the Johannesburg Bantu Football Association barefoot and without a team kit. [4]

In 1940, Bethuel Mokgosinyane, the first president, bought the first team kit with his own funds. Orlando Boys participated in Johannesburg Bantu Football Association's Saturday League, where they won the Division Two title and gained promotion to Division One in 1944. [3] Andrew Bassie, a key member of the team, suggested the new name 'Orlando Pirates'. The team composed the camp's war cry 'Ezimnyama Ngenkani'.

Orlando pirates fans 12.jpg

Since 1971

Orlando Pirates supporters Orlando pirates fans 6.jpg
Orlando Pirates supporters

Over the years, Orlando Pirates, also known as 'The Happy People', have accumulated a record of successes having won the National Professional Soccer League title in 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1976, the National Soccer League title in 1994, and the Premier Soccer League title four times, in 2001, 2003, 2011 and 2012. Their first-place finish in the 2010–11 domestic league campaign generated much excitement among the club's vast fan base.

In 2011, Orlando Pirates enjoyed tremendous success by winning the 2010–11 Premier Soccer League, The Nedbank Cup, The MTN 8 Cup and The Telkom Knockout. This year was dubbed as "The Happy Year."[ citation needed ]

Many other cup triumphs in domestic football have also been recorded, including Vodacom Challenge title victories in the inaugural 1999 tournament and 2005. But the African continent and other areas of the football world took notice of Orlando Pirates Football Club when they won the African Champions Cup (now known as the Champions League) in 1995 and the African Super Cup a year later. Along with Mamelodi Sundowns, TP Mazembe and AS Vita, the Orlando Pirates are the only Southern Hemisphere club to have won the African Champions League. This achievement resulted in the club being honoured by the first State President of the new democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela; another first for a South African sporting team.

Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung and his Jomo Cosmos counterpart Jomo Sono were popular players of the highest calibre for the Buccaneers before starting their own clubs.

In 2005, the team, along with Interza Lesego and Ellis Park Stadium Ltd, announced its acquisition of a 51% share in Ellis Park Stadium, making it the first majority black-owned stadium in South Africa. [10] It was in the same year that Orlando Pirates achieved Superbrand status. Superbrands is an international company that identifies and rewards the leading brands around the world; Orlando Pirates are the only South African sports team next to the Springboks and Proteas to be given this status. [11]

The Ghost

Orlando Pirates’ supporters are among the most demanding in Africa and the world; Pirates’ real supporters‚ or “the Ghost” ‚ as they are known are some of the most passionate football fans you will ever come across.

Known as the spiritual owners of the club they produce the most intimidating atmosphere on match days at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando pirates fans 5.jpg

Pirates' fans, who are also known as the Ghost, often boast about their team being the first club from Southern Africa to have won the Caf Champions League title having achieved this in 1995.

Orlando stadium (The fortress and the slaughterhouse)

Not only is the original Mecca of South African football. Orlando Stadium is also home to local giants and 1995 CAF Champions League winners Orlando Pirates; It is by far the most intimidating of venues on match days.

Th club boasts an impressive record at home compared to other sides in the PSL.

Orlando Stadium inside view.jpg

The Soweto derby

Rival fans.jpg

The Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is fiercely contested derby. The first match was on 24 January 1971. [12]

Honours

Amateur Era (1937-1960)

Johannesburg Bantu Football Association (JBFA) Saturday League Division Two

• Champions (1): 1939 [13]

Johannesburg Bantu Football Association (JBFA) Saturday League Division One

• Champions (3): 1955, 1956 & 1959 [14]

Johannesburg African Football Association (JAFA) Summer League

• Champions (2): 1950, 1952 [15]

Transvaal Challenge Cup

• Champions (3): 1952, 1955, 1959 [16]

SA Robertson Cup

• Champions (4): 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953 [16]

Robor Shield Cup

• Champions (1): 1959 [16]

Domestic Competitions

South African League titles (9):

Premiership

National Soccer League

Cup Competitions

Nedbank Cup

Telkom Knockout

MTN 8

International Competitions

CAF Champions League

CAF Confederation Cup

CAF Super Cup

Afro-Asian Club Championship

Cup Competitions (unofficial)

Castle Challenge

Sales House Cup

Carling Black Label Cup

Vodacom Challenge

Telkom Charity Cup

PSL Reserve League

Performance in CAF Competitions

NB: South African football clubs started participating in CAF Competition's in 1993, after 16 years of being banned from FIFA due to the apartheid system. The ban extended from 1976 to 1992.

The club appeared in the African Cup of Champions Clubs twice (1995, 1996) and have appeared in the CAF Champions League ten times from 1997 to date. The club has been knocked out 4 times in the preliminary round out of the last 6 appearances.

YearBest finish
1995 Champions
1996 Quarter-Final
1997 Group Stage
2002 Second Round
2004 Second Round
2006 Semi-Final
2010 Preliminary Round
2012 Preliminary Round
2013 Finalist
2018–19 Group Stage
2019-20 Preliminary Round
2023-24 Preliminary Round
YearBest Finish
CAF Confederation CupAfrican Cup winners' Cup
1999 - Semi-Final
2004 Play-offs -
2015 Finalist -
2020–21 Quarter -Finalist -
2021–22 Finalist -
YearBest finish
1996 Champions

Note

Overall matches

CompetitionPWDLGFGA
CAF Champions League 8036242012269
CAF Confederation Cup 2115243822
African Cup Winners' Cup 86112411
CAF Super Cup 110010
Total110582725180102
As of 27 September 2021

Crest and colours

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsorRef
1993-97 Umbro Alpha Cement [17]
1997-2000AdidasAdidas
2000- Adidas Vodacom

Club ranking

As of 2 September 2023, Orlando Pirates are ranked 16th in the 2023-24 CAF 5-year ranking.

RankClub2018–19
(× 1)		2019–20
(× 2)		2020–21
(× 3)		2021–22
(× 4)		2022–23
(× 5)		Total
15 Flag of Algeria.svg USM Alger 0100527
16 Flag of South Africa.svg Orlando Pirates 2024024
17 Flag of Sudan.svg Al-Hilal 2211223

Notable former coaches

Club records

Orlando Pirates youth team players. Orlando pirates youth players.JPG
Orlando Pirates youth team players.

Premier Division record

Key
Champions
Runners-up
Third place
In progress
SeasonPositionRecord
PldWDLGFGAGDPts
1996–97 3rd 341810643271657
1997–98 3rd 341512752331957
1998–99 3rd 34179855282760
1999–2000 2nd 341810672363664
2000–01 Champions 341613560342661
2001–02 3rd 341512743311257
2002–03 Champions 30187541162561
2003–04 5th 301311645301550
2004–05 2nd 30179452292360
2005–06 2nd 301412439241554
2006–07 5th 30121083630646
2007–08 8th 30126123830842
2008–09 2nd 301510537201755
2009–10 5th 30101462618844
2010–11 Champions 30179441231860
2011–12 Champions 30177639261358
2012–13 3rd 301410639231652
2013–14 4th 30137103022846
2014–15 4th 301311646291750
2015–16 7th 30118113830841
2016–17 11th 3061592940-1133
2017–18 2nd 301510541261555
2018–19 2nd 301512344242057
2019–20 3rd 301410640291152
2020–21 3rd 301311633221150
2021–22 6th 30101463428644
2022–23 2nd 30166840211954
2023–24 2nd 30148844261850

Coaching staff

PositionName
Chairman/managing director Flag of South Africa.svg Irvin Khoza
Head coach Flag of Spain.svg José Riveiro
Assistant coach Flag of South Africa.svg Mandla Ncikazi
Orlando Pirates starting line-up in 2009. Back row L-R Benson Mhlongo (c), Lucky Lekgwathi, Moeneeb Josephs, Lucas Thwala, Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele; Front row L-R Andile Jali, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Dikgang Mabalane, Katlego Mashego and Teko Modise. Orlando pirates team photo.jpg
Orlando Pirates starting line-up in 2009.
Back row L–R Benson Mhlongo ©, Lucky Lekgwathi, Moeneeb Josephs, Lucas Thwala, Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele;
Front row L–R Andile Jali, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Dikgang Mabalane, Katlego Mashego and Teko Modise.

Players

First team squad

As of 29 August 2024 [19]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
2 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Thabiso Monyane
3 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Deano Van Rooyen
4 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Miguel Timm
5 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Nkosinathi Sibisi
6 DF Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Olisa Ndah
7 MF Flag of Namibia.svg  NAM Deon Hotto
8 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Makhehleni Makhaula
9 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Zakhele Lepasa
11 FW Flag of Angola.svg  ANG Gilberto
12 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Katlego Otladisa
14 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Monnapule Saleng
15 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
16 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Thalente Mbatha
17 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Evidence Makgopa
18 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Kabelo Dlamini
19 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Tshegofatso Mabasa
20 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Goodman Mosele
21 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Azola Tshobeni
23 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Innocent Maela (captain)
No.Pos.NationPlayer
24 GK Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Sipho Chaine
25 MF Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  COD Karim Kimvuidi
26 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Bandile Shandu
27 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Tapelo Xoki (vice-captain)
28 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Patrick Maswanganyi
29 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Paseka Mako
30 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Siphelo Baloni
31 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Selaelo Rasebotja
32 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Thuso Moleleki
35 GK Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Melusi Buthelezi
33 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Mohau Nkota
36 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Thabiso Sesane
37 DF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Thabiso Lebitso
38 MF Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Relebohile Mofokeng
40 GK Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Siyabonga Dladla
41 GK Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Ayanda Zulu
42 FW Flag of South Africa.svg  RSA Boitumelo Radiopane

Jersey number retirement

Jersey number 10 was retired to honour Jomo Sono when the club needed him at the match in 1980

Jomo Sono is currently the owner and founder of Jomo Cosmos at which he takes care of coaching job.

Jersey number 1 was retired to honour Senzo Meyiwa due his death when he was murdered at home


He was number one goalkeeper in South Africa having a competitor Itumeleng Khune

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References

  1. ↑ "Orlando Stadium sponsored by Lafarge". Stadium Management SA. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  2. ↑ Ditlotlhobolo, Austin (23 June 2021). "How did Orlando Pirates get their name?". Goalpedia. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 "History – Chapter 1: A)Orlando Pirates are famously known for being the first South African team to win the African Champions League in 1995. BUILDING THE HOUSE OF PIRATES (1937–59)". OrlandoPiratesFC.com. Orlando Pirates FC. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 "A Guide To The History of Orlando Pirates Football Club South Africa". www.orlandopiratesfc.com. October 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  5. ↑ "Orlando Pirates clinch treble". News24. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  6. ↑ "CAF Confederations Cup live scores, results, Football Africa - FlashScore". flashscore.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  7. ↑ "Trophy Cabinet". Orlando Pirates Football Club. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  8. ↑ "Tshegofatso Mabasa & Relebohile Mofokeng strike late as Orlando Pirates beat Stellenbosch FC to clinch historic MTN8 title | Goal.com". www.goal.com. 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  9. ↑ "Orlando Pirates: The Pirates who ruled Africa". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 17 February 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  10. ↑ "Ellis Park Stadium". OrlandoPiratesFC.com. Orlando Pirates FC. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  11. ↑ https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2007-11-07-pirates-still-top-brand/ [ bare URL ]
  12. ↑ "South Africa's derby goes global". FIFA. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  13. ↑ The Peoples' Club A social and institutional history of Orlando Pirates Football Club, 1937 - 1973 Richard Maguire dissertation, https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/1710a423-8286-4fd5-9f03-622638b6cc65/content
  14. ↑ http://www.orlandopiratesfc.com [ bare URL ]
  15. ↑ 1937 - 1973 Richard Maguire dissertation, https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/1710a423-8286-4fd5-9f03-622638b6cc65/content
  16. 1 2 3 A social and institutional history of Orlando Pirates Football Club, 1937 - 1973 Richard Maguire dissertation, https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/1710a423-8286-4fd5-9f03-622638b6cc65/content
  17. ↑ "Orlando Pirates Kit History". Football Kit Archive. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  18. ↑ "Orlando Pirates Football Club" (PDF). Superbrands.com/za. Superbrands. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  19. ↑ "Orlando Pirates confirm 2021/22 squad numbers". Kick Off. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.