Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has claimed that only the Springboks are a stronger brand than the Buccaneers in South Africa.
Pirates are of the two most supported clubs in South Africa, the other being bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs, and have a high affinity with brands in the country and beyond.
The Soweto giants just signed a three-year partnership with global beer brand Amstel Lager on Wednesday just days after unveiling automaker Suzuki as one of their partners last month.
What has Khoza said about Brand Pirates?
It is during the unveiling of their latest sponsor that Khoza waxed lyrical about the strength of brand Pirates, saying only one team is ahead of them in terms of pull.
“Orlando Pirates is number two to the Springboks. How do you compare a club to a national team? It shows the power of this brand,” said Khoza.
“There is no club like Pirates that has produced the likes of Eric ‘Scara’ Sono, Kaizer Motaung, Percy ‘Chippa Chippa’ Moloi, and Jomo Sono. And that is why the Orlando Pirates brand is so strong and has stood the test of time. So, we welcome Amstel to the Orlando Pirates family, once and always,” he added.
Kazier Chiefs also lauded for their huge draw
Pirates have been pulling in sponsors down the years thanks to their huge following and will hope that the resources that come in can help them acquire players who will bring them glory.
Khoza’s claim comes few days after Kappa boss Ricky Joseph lauded their partnership with Chiefs, saying the Glamour Boys’ shirts have sold out so much that he feels they are the biggest team in Africa.
“You know the truth is, right now, we believe we've got the biggest team in Africa. Kaizer Chiefs is bigger than the national team, to be honest with you, we would always look at partnerships with other clubs and the national team,” Joseph told SABC last month.
