The Amakhosi’s arch rivals and Soweto neighbours will celebrating their 70th birthday on Wednesday evening when they host defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in an ABSA Premiership match in Johannesburg. Although Pirates were formed in 1937, they have listed the 2007 – 2008 season as a celebratory campaign to ring in this historic achievement, and will also be unveiling on Wednesday evening a special kit to mark this special occasion.

Chiefs and Pirates have shared a well documented rivalry over the past three decades but have on numerous occasions put aside their football differences for various community related projects.

Celebration time

Kaizerchiefs.com spoke to Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza as the Buccaneers prepare to officially celebrate their 70th birthday; Dr. Khoza said “this is a celebration of Pirates success over 70 years”. He further went on to add “Pirates turning 70 years old is an important mark for South African football, just as Chiefs celebrated their 38th birthday recently which was a landmark for them this means a lot in the history of Orlando Pirates”.