Publications
Partners
Orlando Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza tells Timothy Molobihe will be cheering on the team – alone
“I will be there. In fact, I am always there, but people don’t see me. Football is very emotional and sometimes you need your space alone,” Khoza told City Press this week, ahead of his club’s first-leg clash against Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates will welcome back defender Siyabonga Sangweni from suspension after he missed the two-legged semifinals against Al Ahly.
The Buccaneers will also rely on their prolific striker Kermit Erasmus, who has scored five goals so far in the tournament, while Felipe Ovono will reclaim the number one spot from Siyabonga Mpontshane, who is not registered for the tournament.
Khoza has challenged his players to write their own history by winning the second-tier continental competition to add to the club’s CAF Champions League and Super Cup trophies.
“It is about history for the players and not about the money. People forget money in the pocket but not the history, and that is what I told them. If you talk about money, forget it, as you have lost it. It is about legacy – what is it that you are going to be remembered for?” said Khoza.
“It is all or nothing for them and it is the pride of the two countries. No country wants to be seen as second best.”
The Confederation Cup first prize is worth about R8.8 million, with about R500 000 going to the national federation.
The Iron Duke said they should aim for a healthy lead in the first leg, as playing away from home would be difficult.
He urged the supporters to rally behind the team and fill the stadium. “If they want to create history, they must be part of that history in the stadium, not armchair historians.
“They must be there to deal with the issues as they unfold. It would be nice to be part of the spectacle.
“I hope Orlando Stadium becomes a haven that will bring back all the Orlando Pirates spirit in making sure that we understand the magnitude of the spectacle in front of us.
“All the people who made the contribution are hoping and expecting that it must happen in their lifetime, and we will give it our best shot.”
He said the players were aware of what was at stake.
“Every season, we have a discussion during our induction about where we want to go as the club. One consistent message and question to all who happen to be a part of this brand is: ‘How are you going to help improve the history of the club?’
“Pirates is no longer about top eight – it is good to be in the top eight and Telkom final – but we have achieved those things.
“If you say you are a top team, you should be judged in terms of continental glory. It is very important that you find your representation in the continental championship; that is the measure of great teams and that is the challenge we have set ourselves.
“For a brand to sustain itself and survive generation after generation, it must have a culture and history for it to survive for years to come. This is what is motivating us as the team.
“Yes, there are costs involved, but that is not the issue in terms of the value for the history that goes with it.”
He said winning the trophy would take the history of football in the country a long way, and that it was gratifying to see people of all colours and race rallying behind the club.
“This is the beginning of a patriotic spirit and nationhood, as we are able to share in people’s successes. It assists in solidifying the unifying spirit and oneness in our diversity.
“We have seen support from all football-loving people and this augurs well for us.
“It is gratifying to see supporters mingling ... It is a unique phenomenon in terms of the history of where we come from, as it assists us to understand that you must learn to lose and accept defeat. Sitting closer to your competitor helps you to grow and find it within yourself to do an audit – because if you are far apart, there is guessing and suspicion.”
