Ian Wright during the 2019 Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium, will be rooting for the Buccaneers.
Image: BackpagePix
The Soweto derby is set to attract people from all walks of life on Saturday afternoon when Kaizer Chiefs host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium (3.30pm).
While the Calabash is set to be filled to the rafters with multitudes from all over South Africa, there are some high-ranked footballing personnel who'll be following the game from all over the world. Below, we look at three football icons who'll be rooting for Pirates.
Ian Wright
A few seasons ago, Wright arrived in South Africa as the ambassador of the Carling Cup – then still contested by Pirates and Chiefs. He watched Pirates hoist the pre-season one-day cup, which was largely driven around the supporters.
The Englishman fell in love with Pirates from the outset, thanks to their on-and-off-pitch model – an affiliation that was also aided by Pirates’ partnership with Adidas, who also sponsor Wright to this day.
Speaking during a virtual interview on SuperSport a few years ago, Wright declared his support for Pirates and what drew him to the club: “I am a Buccaneer man. I was with Happy Jele (Pirates’ captain at the time). He is the one that said: ‘You are supporting us.’”
The Arsenal legend has publicly shown his support. He has been spotted wearing the club’s official regalia on his social media platforms. So, don’t be shocked if he does that ahead of the derby on Saturday.
Benni McCarthy
When McCarthy returned to South African football in 2011 to join Pirates, ending an 11-year spell abroad – which included etching his name in the history books by becoming the first, and only, South African to date to win the UEFA Champions League – he caught many by surprise.
The all-time Bafana Bafana leading goal scorer revealed that he didn’t join the club for financial reasons, but due to its vision, ethos and targets. As such, after a successful season, which included a domestic treble – the league, Telkom Knockout (now known as the Carling Knockout) – McCarthy eventually fell in love with the club, endearing himself to the fans.
The current Kenyan national team coach also realised the dream of most South African-born players: playing in the Soweto derby, marking a dream debut after scoring a brace in a 3-2 win over Amakhosi.
Recently returned to the country as an ambassador of the Carling Cup – which is now played between the victors of the Carling Knockout and All Stars PSL team – McCarthy reflected on some fond memories of Orlando Stadium, which is now known as Orlando Amstel Arena.
Ruud Gullit
Gullit was the first international ambassador of the Carling Cup in 2011. As such, after the game, he mentioned the player that impressed him the most, almost indicating which team he supported between the two Soweto giants.
The Dutchman said, according to a report in the Sowetan: “That player wearing jersey number 20 for Orlando Pirates (Oupa Manyisa), sorry I don't remember his name, is something out of this world. He was comfortable on the ball, he knows what to do when he is in possession.”
While Gullit was known for his exploits on the pitch, he had strong ties to South Africa, including famously dedicating his 1987 Ballon d'Or to an imprisoned Nelson Mandela, the late struggle icon.
Later, after his release from Robben Island, Mandela acknowledged the special tie with Gullit, a story that began when the Dutchman received the most prized individual award in football circles.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch