Club legend Eugene Zwane has highlighted the crucial role played by
chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza’s sons, Nkosana and Mpumi Khoza, in orchestrating
Orlando Pirates’ impressive trophy haul over the past five seasons.
The Buccaneers have claimed eight trophies in that period, including the
MTN8 and Carling Knockout this season, maintaining their success despite the
departure of former head coach José Riveiro. Much of this sustained
excellence has been built on a strong development pipeline—featuring talents
like Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi—and smart signings such as
Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule.
According to Zwane, the behind-the-scenes leadership of the Khoza brothers
has been instrumental in this era of prosperity.
“Most definitely, you can’t ignore the increasing influence of the Khoza
brothers in the day-to-day management of the team,” Zwane told the Siya
crew. “They are full of energy, they are young, slightly older than the
players themselves. So they know how modern players behave, and because they
are young and full of energy, they are aware of most of the things that are
going on.”
Zwane also praised their expanding roles in the club’s commercial growth, a
mandate given to them by their father, whose primary focus remains his role
as PSL Chairman.
“I also hear on the business side and commercial side, the chairman has
given them the mandate to find sponsors, negotiate terms and all of those
things,” Zwane explained. “We’re seeing them signing sponsors; it looks like
they have learned from the chairman. They are doing a very great job.”
With the club’s systems firmly in place and a seamless transition to coach
Abdeslam Ouaddou, the strategic oversight of Nkosana and Mpumi Khoza appears
to be a driving force behind the Buccaneers’ continued dominance on and off
the pitch.
