It's Irvin Khoza's Birthday! Facts About Premier Soccer League Chairman You Probably Didn't Know

• Irvin Khoza, the most influential man at Orlando Pirates, celebrates his 74th birthday today, born on 27 January 1948
• The Iron Duke, as he has come to be known, has the distinction of being both Premier Soccer League and Orlando Pirates coach
• Among other facts during his life, he has been with the Buccaneers for five decades, and has received honours for his achievements in the game

Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza turns 74 today!

South African football's most influential figure, Khoza was born in Alexandria township on 24 January 1948. He also happens to be the chairman and owner of Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.

Also known by his name "The Iron Duke", here are some facts about Khoza.

1. He has the "Dr." honorific

Khoza was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy by the University of Zululand in 2004. (KickOff)

2. Khoza is also a colonel

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He was appointed the Honorary Colonel of the Logistics Division by the South African National Defence Force. (SowetanLIVE)

3. He studied at the University of Forth Hare

Khoza enrolled at the university known for educating stalwarts like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Govan Mbeki, to name a few. (Soccer Laduma)

4. He played a key role in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa

He was part of the committee that that lobbied for host rights of the tournament, and was also on the World Cup Organising Committee. (Soccer Laduma)

5. He is worth a lot of money

Dr. Khoza's net worth is estimated at around R150 million. (Buzz South Africa)

6. The Iron Duke was the recipient of a National Order

Colonel Khoza was also honoured by former South African president Jacob Zuma with the Order of Ikhamanga. (SA News)

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7. He has been with Orlando Pirates for 50 years

Khoza started off at the Buccaneers in 1972, becoming its owner in 1991. (Buzz South Africa)

8. He is related to Jacob Zuma by blood

While president, Jacob Zuma fathered a child with Khoza's daughter Sonono. (The Guardian)

9. Orlando Pirates is kept in the family

Nkosana Khoza is the current marketing manager at the club. The late Zodwa Khoza was its brand manager when she passed away in 2006. (News24)

10. He was the father-in-law of a Bafana great

Sonono Khoza and Bafana Bafana defender were married in the late 1990s. They later divorced, before he died of an Aids-related illness in 2001. (News24)

Irvin Khoza speaks out, explains why the Premier Soccer League can’t have fans

There is a high chance Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza has fans returning to stadiums on his birthday wishlist.

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As reported on Sports Brief, the organisation has come under fire of late for its lack of spectators in attendance at stadiums.

Khoza stated that it could be some time before spectators were allowed back at games.