Latest news with #IrvinKhoza
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Khoza urges new Orlando Pirates generation to leave lasting legacy
Irvin Khoza reminded Pirates players of the club's iconic status, urging them to follow in the footsteps of legends like Jomo Sono and Kaizer Motaung. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 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.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 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.'
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Orlando Pirates part ways with one beer sponsor for another!
Orlando Pirates have officially parted ways with their long-time beer sponsor Carling Black Label. The Buccaneers and Carling Black Label had been partners for 14 years between 2011 and 2025. However, the partnership has amicably come to an end although reasons behind that are still unclear at this stage. Now, Heineken-owned beer, Amstel Lager, has taken over from Carling Black Label as Pirates' newest beer sponsor. The launch took place at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, 6 August. Orlando Pirates and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza addresses the media in Johannesburg. Image: Sowetan Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSL Awards winners revealed for 2024-25 season
PSL Awards winners revealed for 2024-25 season Under the bright lights of Tuesday's delayed ceremony, the Premier Soccer League finally celebrated its standout performers from the 2024/25 campaign. The evening carried special significance, having been postponed to accommodate Mamelodi Sundowns' historic Club World Cup participation - a tournament where they proudly flew the PSL flag as Africa's highest-ranked club. Dr. Irvin Khoza set the celebratory tone by presenting Sundowns with the prestigious Chairman's Award, recognizing their continental achievements. The Brazilians' triumph opened what became a night of surprises and emotional victories. Orlando Pirates' rising talent Relebohile Mofokeng experienced both joy and disappointment - claiming the MTN8 Last Man Standing honor while seeing the Nedbank Cup's Most Promising Player award go to teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Elsewhere, Kaizer Chiefs' Pule Mmodi earned deserved recognition as Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament, and Elvis Chipezeze's Carling Knockout heroics secured him that competition's top individual prize. As the football community awaits announcements for remaining major categories - including the coveted Footballer of the Season - Tuesday's event successfully balanced celebration of team achievements with recognition of emerging talents. The ceremony's delayed scheduling ultimately created a perfect platform to honor both continental trailblazers and domestic standouts, showcasing the PSL's growing depth of quality across all competitions.
The South African
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players
Orlando Pirates, a Leading Betway Premiership club, sealed eight new signings this week. The list includes Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli. Instead of gradual reports to prolong media coverage, the Sea Robbers first announced Mbule and then seven players within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting for the new Orlando Pirates footballers. Jessica Motaung talks about Kaizer Chiefs money Dr Irvin Khoza at an Orlando Pirates conference in Parktown, Johannesburg. Image: @orlandopirates/X Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates legend sends a serious message to Sipho Mbule 'We were inducting our new players to give them a proper understanding of what to expect,' club legend Moloi told KickOff . 'We emphasised that their lives, as well as those of their immediate family members, changed the moment they signed with the club. 'Once you make the spiritual owners happy, you're set for life. Even after hanging up your boots, they will still be there for you. 'Nobody understands this better than I do. I started my journey with Orlando Pirates since I joined in 1987 and how I witnessed Dr. Irvin Khoza take over the team in 1992,' Moloi added. 'Playing for Orlando Pirates is akin to playing for South Africa. Every day, you are under the microscope. The important aspect of the induction is to guide them on how to behave off the pitch as a Orlando Pirates player. 'They were recruited with this understanding. We encouraged them to make history, just like the group of players we signed from a relegated Jomo Cosmos who went on to become CAF Champions League and AFCON champions. We urged them to dream big,' the former midfielder maestro concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Some Positive vibes for new Orlando Pirates coach
New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has finally found an influential figure who believes in him, and it's a Betway Premiership legend. According to the former Orlando Pirates coach Benson Mhlongo, the 46-year-old Moroccan coach has shown potential to succeed in Soweto. Additionally, Mhlongo believes that Dr Irvin Khoza is well-versed in finding new coaches for the club. Kaizer Chiefs latest: Two new strikers? Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza holds a press conference in Sandton, Johannesburg. Images: IOL 'Dr. Irvin Khoza has always managed to come up with surprises over the years. I trust his judgement; they've been in this game for a long time,' Mhlongo told KickOff . Update: Kaizer Chiefs new kits 'It's not for us to speculate. When they brought Jose Riveiro here, nobody knew about him, and look how well he did. Dr. Khoza has vast experience in bringing coaches here, so perhaps there's something the chairman saw in the new coach. 'It was relatively easy for the chairman to make a decision on the new coach since he was already in the country. Maybe they appreciated what he did for Marumo Gallants last season. 'Dr. Irvin Khoza has always managed to come up with surprises over the years. I trust his judgement; they've been in this game for a long time,' Mhlongo told KickOff. 'It's not for us to speculate. When they brought Jose Riveiro here, nobody knew about him, and look how well he did. 'Dr. Khoza has vast experience in bringing coaches here, so perhaps there's something the chairman saw in the new coach,' the former Orlando Pirates skipper added. 'It was relatively easy for the chairman to make a decision on the new coach since he was already in the country. Maybe they appreciated what he did for Marumo Gallants last season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
