Orlando Pirates fans, young and old, have seen some fabulous footballers wear their colours. Who are the best of the best?
The three greatest Orlando Pirates players of all time
Benedict Vilakazi
Still the record goal-scorer for the club with 58 strikes, Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi was the little general in Pirates’ midfield who made everything happen. Pulling the strings and making magic, there’s a reason he’s adored by Bucs fans across the country.
Benni McCarthy
Benni wasn’t at Orlando Pirates for a long time, but he was certainly with the Buccaneers for a good time. His best years as a footballer were spent in Europe, but his time with Orlando Pirates was decorated with plenty of silverware, punctuated by a stunning treble in 2012. He scored a brace in a memorable 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs in that campaign. The new Kenya manager is arguably South Africa’s finest ever footballer.
Andile Jali
‘Gattuso’ was the heartbeat of a wildly successful Sea Robbers side alongside his partner in crime, Oupa Manyisa. Jali was the epitome of a box-to-box midfielder. In his prime, there wasn’t anyone better in South Africa. He claimed five trophies for the club, including consecutive league crowns in 2011 and 2012.
Honourable mentions
Mbulelo Oldjohn Mabizela, Oupa Manyisa, Jerry Sikhosana, Happy Jele, Lucky Lekgwathi, Teko Modise.
Who are your top three? Please feel free to disagree with our list!
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