|
Joburg’s top teams
|
Orlando Pirates
With a fearsome skull and crossbones logo, Orlando Pirates - one of South Africa's most popular teams - has been part of Joburg culture for 71 years. The team was formed in 1937, growing out of the Orlando Boys Club, in Soweto. Today their home stadium is Ellis Park, and Johannesburg Stadium is used as a training ground.
Kaizer Chiefs
The Amakhozi are the Bucs' fiercest rivals. They are a much younger team, having been formed in 1970 under Kaizer Motaung, who is still the head of the club. Motaung himself came from Pirates, and the initial Amakhosi were expelled Pirates players. Lucas Radebe, who went on to captain Leeds United, is a former Chiefs player. The clubs’ bright gold and black colours can be seen across Joburg.
Bidvest Wits
Known as the Clever Boys, Bidvest Wits was formed in 1921 at the old Transvaal Technical Institute. They are still based at the University of the Witwatersrand, and are known for their youth development policy. Gary Bailey, who went on to play for Manchester United and England, and Richard Gough, who went on to become a Scottish international and represent UK clubs Everton and Glasgow Rangers, played for the team.
Moroka Swallows
Don’t follow me, follow the Birds, the team’s slogan, dates back to 1978; the team, however, goes back to 1947 and Moroka Emergency Camp, a township in Soweto. In 1971, Moroka Swallows became the first-ever soccer team to register as a public company. It was also the first club to wear a full uniform in 1954, pay its players, starting in 1958, join the black professional league in 1961, and receive an official sponsorship, from Teljoy, also in 1971.
Premier Soccer League
Football in South Africa is run by the Premier Soccer League.
|
|