The five pillars Orlando Pirates is built upon…
Community (1937-’57)
Founded from the pockets of hard workers, Orlando Pirates Football Club is a team that was built by community members who believed in the promise of young, talented players who graced the beautiful game. The community sought happiness and escapism in Orlando Pirates, and Legends of the Club provided that happiness by playing superb football. If a player did not live up to the expectations of the community that vouched for him, his name would leave with him. Legends are those whose names our community will never forget.
Strength (1957-’67)
Many qualities describe good football players: speed, agility, skilfulness and accuracy. But there is one attribute that makes the difference between good players and great players, one attribute that defines the very essence of what it means to be an Orlando Pirates Legend - this attribute is strength. The strength of a player comes from within himself. It cannot be taught, it can only be exposed by challenges that test his character. Legends are born when hardships test a player’s strength, and his strength always prevails.
Fight (1967-’77)
There are many reasons to fight for in our lives. Those who fought for football fought for something greater than all of them. Orlando Pirates Legends are those players who fought for the love and good of the game when all that was at stake was their dignity and pride. These players walked onto the pitch in every game carrying the responsibility of the fans’ happiness on their shoulders, and walked off giving everything they had to fulfil that happiness.
Loyalty (1977-’97)
An Orlando Pirates Legend remains a Pirate long after his football career ends. The values of the Club have instilled so deeply in its Legends that their commitment to the Club is immortal in its nature. The difference between an Orlando Pirates player and an Orlando Pirates Legend is that the Legends, when faced with the choice, always put the Club first.
Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate.
Respect (1997- 2018)
You have to give respect in order to receive it. The Legends of Orlando Pirates Football Club are players who did not demand respect from their peers, from the supporters, from the Club or from their opponents. They did whatever it took to earn it because they knew, in football, there is only one place where your worth can be proven, on the pitch. If you didn’t respect the fans enough to give them the football they expected, your name would not be written in the history books of the Club.