Khoza urges new Orlando Pirates generation to leave lasting legacy

Irvin Khoza made a rare public appearance at the home of his beloved club, Orlando Pirates, as the Buccaneers announced a new three-year partnership with Amstel Lager. He used the moment to encourage the current team to carve out their own legacy at a club renowned for producing some of South Africa’s greatest footballers.

“I stand here because I am feeling emotional, as I am standing in the cradle of success and history,” said Khoza at the launch held at Orlando Stadium.

“This club is proud because when the township of Soweto was born in 1932, in 1937 Pirates was formed. So, I am standing here because when we said yes to Amstel, we understood the history, sacrifice, and contribution made by so many people.

“There’s no team that has produced a King Kaizer Matatazdla, Scara Sono, Kaizer Motaung, Chippa Chippa Moloi, and Jomo Sono.”

Those five are among the most iconic figures in Buccaneers history, and Khoza challenged the likes of Sipho Chaine, Makhahleni Makhaula, and Deon Hotto – all present at the event – to make their own mark.

“Make sure you make a mark also to be on that list,” he told them.

Goalkeeper Chaine said the message resonated strongly, particularly after hearing former captain and CAF Champions Cup winner Edward Motale share stories of the team’s success in the mid-1990s.

“I think, personally, for me it’s a big responsibility. We have a huge responsibility as players – not to just come into this big environment and be there, but to add on to the rich history that the club has already achieved,” said Chaine.

“For us, it is about ensuring that each and every season we keep pushing and keep trying to do better than what we did last season. We always want to help the club attract sponsors like Amstel.”

He said partnerships with global brands show how well the club is performing and add another layer of pressure on the players to deliver.

“From a player’s perspective, it comes with a huge responsibility. It shows that, even on the pitch, we are trying to do our best to put the club where it belongs – among the best on the continent. These partnerships show the direction the team is going, and it’s very positive to see big brands associate themselves with another big brand like Orlando Pirates.”

Chaine is also acutely aware that, just as Khoza demands excellence, the fans expect more this season. Pirates finished as runners-up in the DStv Premiership and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League – but The Ghost are hungry for more.

“Expectations, ja, that’s the word – and it’s there even among us players,” Chaine added.

“When we come to training every day, we see how much we expect from each other. Being part of a big brand demands that from every individual.

“It demands you to do better than what you did last season; to do better than the club has ever done. The most important thing is you don’t only push yourself to improve, but to create your own history – to push towards winning something, to win trophies the team hasn’t lifted in a long time.

“You want to help put Orlando Pirates number one in every aspect – commercially, in sponsorship, and on the pitch. I think Orlando Pirates as a brand has positioned itself to be the best in every aspect.”

That ambition is what attracted Amstel, according to Andrea Quaye, Heineken Beverages marketing director.

“This partnership is a really important step for us into local football – beer and football play the same role in society, which is connecting people – and it’s also about creating experiences and bringing joy and happiness,” said Quaye.

“It’s a natural fit for us, and with Orlando Pirates, we saw shared values. Friendship, unity, loyalty – we believe in quality and won’t compromise on it. Pirates reflect those values, and they are also one of the most iconic football brands in South Africa.”

She added that Amstel see the partnership as more than a commercial deal.

“Valuing the same things allows us to build a long-term relationship. Partnerships are not about going in and out, but about how you build them over time. It’s a three-year partnership, but obviously renewable.”