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Orlando Pirates F.C.

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For the Namibian side of the same name, see Orlando Pirates S.C.

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]

Orlando Pirates
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
GroundOrlando Stadium
Capacity37,313[1]
ChairmanIrvin Khoza
ManagerJosé Riveiro
LeagueBetway Premiership
2023–242nd of 16
Websitehttps://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/
Current season

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 Pirates have 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

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

Early years

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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'.

 

Since 1971

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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

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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.

 

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)

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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.

 

The Soweto derby

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The Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is fiercely contested derby. The first match was on 24 January 1970.[12]

Honours

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Amateur era (1937-1960)

Johannesburg Bantu Football Association (JBFA) Saturday League Division Two

1939[13]

Johannesburg Bantu Football Association (JBFA) Saturday League Division One

1955, 1956 & 1959[14]

Johannesburg African Football Association (JAFA) Summer League

1950, 1952[15]

Transvaal Challenge Cup

1952, 1955, 1959[16]

SA Robertson Cup

1950, 1951, 1952, 1953[16]

Robor Shield Cup

1959[16]

Domestic competitions

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South African League titles (9):

Premiership

National Soccer League

Cup competitions

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Nedbank Cup

Telkom Knockout

  • Champions (1): 2011
  • Runners-up: 1987,1990,1995,2000,2008, 2010, 2018

MTN 8

International competitions

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CAF Champions League

  • Champions (1): 1995
  • Runners-up (1): 2013

CAF Confederation Cup

CAF Super Cup

Afro-Asian Club Championship

  • Runners-up (1): 1996

Cup competitions (unofficial)

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Castle Challenge

  • Champions (1): 1992

Sales House Cup

  • Champions (4): 1972, 1975, 1977, 1983

Carling Black Label Cup

  • Champions (5) record: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019

Vodacom Challenge

  • Champions (2): 1999, 2005

Telkom Charity Cup

  • Champions (7) 1993,1995,1997,1999,2001,2008,2009

PSL Reserve League

  • Champions (1): 2007

Performance in CAF Competitions

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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.

Year Best 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
Year Best Finish
CAF Confederation Cup African Cup winners' Cup
1999 - Semi-Final
2004 Play-offs -
2015 Finalist -
2020–21 Quarter -Finalist -
2021–22 Finalist -
Year Best finish
1996 Champions

Note

  • Orlando Pirates did not make an appearance in the CAF Cup. They qualified for the 2001 CAF Cup but withdrew from the competition. As the cup was intended for league runners-up their place in the tournament was then extended to Kaizer Chiefs who had finished third, but they declined as they had already qualified for the more prestigious 2001 African Cup Winners' Cup. Pirates' place in the tournament was then extended to and taken by Ajax Cape Town.[citation needed]

Overall matches

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Competition P W D L GF GA
CAF Champions League 80 36 24 20 122 69
CAF Confederation Cup 21 15 2 4 38 22
African Cup Winners' Cup 8 6 1 1 24 11
CAF Super Cup 1 1 0 0 1 0
Total 110 58 27 25 180 102
As of 27 September 2021

Crest and colours

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Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

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Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Ref
1997-99 Umbro Alpha Cement [17]
1999-2000 ? Adidas
2000- Adidas Vodacom

Club ranking

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

Rank Club 2018–19
(× 1)		 2019–20
(× 2)		 2020–21
(× 3)		 2021–22
(× 4)		 2022–23
(× 5)		 Total
15   USM Alger 0 1 0 0 5 27
16   Orlando Pirates 2 0 2 4 0 24
17   Al-Hilal 2 2 1 1 2 23

Notable former coaches

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Club records

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Orlando Pirates youth team players.
  • Most appearances: Happy Jele 401[18]
  • Most goals: Benedict Vilakazi 52
  • Most capped player: Teko Modise 58 (South Africa)
  • Most appearances in a season: Senzo Meyiwa 51 (2013–2014), Oupa Manyisa 51 (2013–14) and Willy Okpara 51 (1994–1995)
  • Most goals in a season: Dennis Lota 23 (1999–00)
  • Record win: 9–1 v Olympics FC (Bob Save Super Bowl, 7 March 1999)
  • Record loss: 0–6 vs Mamelodi Sundowns (League, 11 February 2017) Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
  • Most games unbeaten: 17 (1975, 2005)
  • Most goals scored in a season: 61 (1989)
  • Most goals conceded in a season: 60 (1986)
  • Most wins in a season: 19 (1990)
  • Fewest wins in a season: 5 (1985)
  • Most defeats in a season: 15 (1985)
  • Fewest defeats in a season: 3 (1994)

Premier Division record

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Key
Champions
Runners-up
Third place
In progress
Season Position Record
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1996–97 3rd 34 18 10 6 43 27 16 57
1997–98 3rd 34 15 12 7 52 33 19 57
1998–99 3rd 34 17 9 8 55 28 27 60
1999–2000 2nd 34 18 10 6 72 36 36 64
2000–01 Champions 34 16 13 5 60 34 26 61
2001–02 3rd 34 15 12 7 43 31 12 57
2002–03 Champions 30 18 7 5 41 16 25 61
2003–04 5th 30 13 11 6 45 30 15 50
2004–05 2nd 30 17 9 4 52 29 23 60
2005–06 2nd 30 14 12 4 39 24 15 54
2006–07 5th 30 12 10 8 36 30 6 46
2007–08 8th 30 12 6 12 38 30 8 42
2008–09 2nd 30 15 10 5 37 20 17 55
2009–10 5th 30 10 14 6 26 18 8 44
2010–11 Champions 30 17 9 4 41 23 18 60
2011–12 Champions 30 17 7 6 39 26 13 58
2012–13 3rd 30 14 10 6 39 23 16 52
2013–14 4th 30 13 7 10 30 22 8 46
2014–15 4th 30 13 11 6 46 29 17 50
2015–16 7th 30 11 8 11 38 30 8 41
2016–17 11th 30 6 15 9 29 40 -11 33
2017–18 2nd 30 15 10 5 41 26 15 55
2018–19 2nd 30 15 12 3 44 24 20 57
2019–20 3rd 30 14 10 6 40 29 11 52
2020–21 3rd 30 13 11 6 33 22 11 50
2021–22 6th 30 10 14 6 34 28 6 44
2022–23 2nd 30 16 6 8 40 21 19 54
2023–24 2nd 30 14 8 8 44 26 18 50

Coaching staff

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Position Name
Chairman/managing director   Irvin Khoza
Head coach   José Riveiro
Assistant coach   Mandla Ncikazi
 
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

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First team squad

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As of 29 August 2024[19]

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

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

Jersey number retirement

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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

References

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  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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b c 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.
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