I think it’s
about time Orlando Pirates supporters stand up and be counted. In the last two decades
Pirates endured some kind of brutality and humiliation in the hands of Mamelodi
Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs (hence the records still stand).
Most
Pirates supporters went hiding because of the unbearable pain they suffered
when their team seemed to be failing to beat the two other giants especially
where it matters the most.
After 1995
African Champions league success things looked better but again it wasn’t
enough for the Ghost faithful as they also wanted to see their team inflicting
pain in the domestic league and other competition. Pirates failed to win the
famous Rothmans cup that will be remembered as one of the exciting tournaments
in the history of SA football.
Pirates
failed to win the Coca Cola cup and that didn’t go down well with the
supporters. Yes Pirates has been and will always be the most competitive team
when it comes to Continental tournaments such as Champions league and other
competitions.
What I
think was the most unbearable pain was the fact that Pirates struggled in big
occasions, lost the most important games and choked when it matters the most.
This demise of the Mighty Ghost resulted to loudmouthed opposition fans since
they had every reason to make noise.
Yes Pirates
supporters were always on the receiving end of those intolerable and clueless comments
that were mainly based on the results and far from analyzing the game. It was
understandable because most Chiefs supporters were women and by then and even
today the majority is still women.
Because of inclusive
names (tea bags, bomakhalanjalo, chokers and others) that were often associated
with everything written Pirates and the light at the tunnel that was becoming
dim and dimmer seemed too had done a great job in discouraging Pirates
supporter to pride themselves for being associated with the brand.
Even today
you would find most knowledgeable people about this game who show less interest
especially in local football though they follow it were Pirates supporters who couldn’t
take it anymore.
Like it or not our time is now!!
Today
Pirates is claiming its status back, Today Pirates is inflicting pain to
oppositions were it matters the most, Today Pirates is proving to be a team of
big occasions, today Pirates is setting high standards, today Pirates is making
and breaking records.
How much
pain will the opposition supporters take before they call it quit? Today
Liverpool supporters have nothing to say against the MU supporters which was
not the case before.
By Abongile Diko
