Orlando Pirates legend Teboho Moloi says the fan culture that has elevated the squad was what Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza envisioned in the early 90s.
Pirates remain in contention on all fronts as the 2024/25 season reaches the business end, as they remain in the league title race with Mamelodi Sundowns, in the CAF Champions League semi-finals and the final of the Nedbank Cup.
With the MTN8 wrapped up, head coach Jose Riveiro, who is confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of his three-year contract in June, has won five domestic cups since his arrival.
And this period, Moloi notes the unique squad spirit that’s developed under the Spaniard since his arrival, added to the cultural changes of fans behaviour and culture – which has not been demanding within their fanatic support of the club.
“They are a special bunch of players that understands what’s expected of them, they have given us trophies, given us happiness, they’ve given us everything we want to see, that stands and represents Orlando Pirates,” Moloi said at the SuperSportBet media event.
“So for us now to start saying them you’re in a semi-final, you’re in a final, we didn’t foresee all these things. But they know what it means to play for Pirates, they knew what is expected of them, they understand expectation and what they people want from them.
“So for me to say I must start professing that I see them winning the Nedbank, overthrowing Sundowns, winning the Champions League, would be unfair on the boys, they have done everything we expect, so let them enjoy the wave crest they are ridng and we just support them and be happy.
“Win or lose, Mabhakaniya, we’re always happy – 1993 was the renaissance year and the Chairman said, if he’d still be alive during this time, you will be able to see what it was I wanted to build, and what he wanted to build is seeing Pirates fans, spiritual owners, be it we lose, we win, signing and being happy, wearing the merchandise.
“During my era, how many people were wearing the merchandise? So it’s the renaissance which started in ’93, these are the fruits that everyone is now enjoying…”
Pirates are preparing for their first leg CAF Champions League semi-final against Pyramids at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening (18h00).
