Orlando Pirates FC
- Owner: Irvin Khoza
- Year created: 1937
- Nickname: The Buccaneers
- Colours: Black and white
- Stadium: Orlando Stadium
- Manager: Jose Riveiro
Orlando Pirates FC is a South African professional football club based in Johannesburg. It is one of the most successful and popular clubs in the country, having won 20 major trophies, including nine Premier Soccer League titles and one CAF Champions League title. The club’s home ground is Orlando Stadium in Soweto, a township that shares a deep history and culture with the club. The club’s motto is “Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate”.
History
Orlando Pirates FC was founded in 1937 by a group of young men from Orlando East, Soweto. The club was originally named Boys Club, then Orlando Boys Club, before adopting the name Orlando Pirates in 1940. The club became a member of the South African Soccer League in 1959 and claimed its first league trophy in 1971. The club also made history by winning the African Cup of Champions Clubs (now CAF Champions League) in 1995, defeating ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast in the final match. The club has also produced many legendary players, such as Jomo Sono, Kaizer Motaung, Benedict Vilakazi and Teko Modise.
Achievements
Orlando Pirates FC has won the following trophies:
- PSL, South Africa - 9
- CAF Champions League, Africa - 1
- Nedbank Cup, South Africa - 9
- Vodacom Challenge, South Africa - 2
- CAF Super Cup, Africa - 1
- MTN 8, South Africa - 11
- Black Label Cup, South Africa - 5
Current squad
As of June 2023, the current squad of Orlando Pirates FC is:
Goalkeepers: R. Ofori, S. Chaine, S. Mpontshane
Defenders: I. Maela, P. Mako, T. Moyane, S. Mthethwa, O. Ndah, S. Sibisi, T. Xoki
Midfielders: T. Dzvukamanja, T. Monare, B. Motshwari, F. Makaringe, C. Makgaka, G. Mosele, N. Ndlondlo, B. Shandu, M. Timm, M. Saleng
Forwards: K. Erasmus, T. Lorch, D. Hotto, V. Pule, K. Dlamini, E. Makgopa, B. Eva Nga
