Irvin Khoza: Measuring the Iron Duke’s Orlando Pirates and PSL Legacy

• Irvin Khoza is rumoured to be winding down his influence on South African football
• Unconfirmed reports state the Iron Duke will not stand for re-election as PSL chair
• The Orlando Pirates chairman has been in charge of the club since the early 1990s

South Africa's most storied footballing reign could be approaching its end.

Irvin Khoza has had a defining influence over the domestic game since the dawn of the Rainbow Nation, cementing his place as one of its founding fathers.

Sports Brief details the most impressive highs the Iron Duke has ruled over as owner of Orlando Pirates and chairman of the Premier Soccer League.

Irvin Khoza's career highs

1. Buccaneers CAF glory

Khoza took ownership of Orlando Pirates in 1991, and within four years, they became the first South African team to win the CAF Champions League, then called the African Champions Cup.

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En route to the final, they beat teams from Swaziland, Nigeria, Uganda, and Gabon, as per Orlando Pirates Forum. In the two-legged final, they defeated ASEC Mimosa 3-2 on aggregate, thanks to goals from Gavin Lane, Helman Mkelele, and Jerry 'Legs of Thunder' Sikhosana.

2. Consistent silverware

Under Khoza, the Buccaneers have won the top tier five times, once under the old National Soccer League banner and four times in the PSL.

As well as the league title, he has ensured continued cup success in his 33 years at the helm, overseeing 16 cup triumphs, including eight MTN8 wins and four Nedbank Cups.

3. 2010 FIFA World Cup

Khoza is responsible for possibly the greatest collective footballing memory in South African history. Hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a special moment for all Africans who were fortunate enough to experience it.

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The Iron Duke was chairman of the bid committee before being made chairman of the Local Organising Committee. A year before the tournament, he was even made an Honourary Colonel, as per the South African Government News Agency.

4. PSL finances

Catapulting the domestic league to the financial forefront could be among his biggest achievements. After becoming chairman of the PSL in 2003, he helped negotiate the beginning of what is now an inseparable partnership between the league and Multichoice.

State broadcaster, SABC, lost the rights to PSL games in 2007 after a R1.6 billion broadcast deal was struck with the subscription-based broadcasters. Multichoice announced in 2020 they had become the title sponsor for the league but failed to disclose the value of the deal.

Irvin Khoza could exit PSL

Sports Brief recently reported on the rumours that the Orlando Pirates chairman may not run for PSL re-election.

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Khoza has been chairman of the Premier Soccer League for over two decades and has had a remarkable tenure.

Reports claim the 76-year-old has been urged by family to enjoy his golden years away from footballing matters.