Pirates launch 75th Annivesary jersey

Orlando Pirates have revealed their new limited edition 75th anniversary jersey.
The players will come out in their new kit when they take on Bidvest Wits during the Telkom Knockout Final at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium next Saturday. "Orlando Pirates gave us a brief to develop an anniversary jersey that celebrated the rich history of the club as well as the bright and exciting future. The design inspiration came from the strip used by the all-conquering 1973 team that won all cups that were on offer in that season," says Kevin Jooste, the football category manager at Adidas South Africa, on Bucs' official website.

Adidas has also developed a special anniversary logo, using the round logo which dates back to the 50s and was used until the late 60s as inspiration. "For the inner-neck logo we used the original logo as an inspiration with 1937 accompanying it. As a result of close interaction between adidas and the club, respecting the history and celebrating the future, we have created a jersey that all Buccaneers can be proud of," adds Jooste. "While our focus is always on providing for the future, it is equally important that we look to commemorate our long and rich heritage. As one of the oldest football clubs in Africa, it is imperative that we celebrate these key milestones. "With the club turning 75 next year, the Telkom Knockout Final has presented a perfect platform for Orlando Pirates Football Club to mark the beginning of the celebrations, which will be carried throughout 2012," says Mickey Modisane, Pirates PRO, on the club's official website. The jersey will retail at a recommended price of R599 and will be available in shops from Monday, December 5. The following retailers will have stock of the new Orlando Pirates replica jerseys: • Adidas concept stores • Totalsports, Studio88 • Edgars, Cross Trainer • Ismail Cassim & Sons • Ndumiso Sports • Poobie Naidoo • Beaver Canoe • Mike Sports • Jack Lemkus • Solly M Sports • Daks International • Mikka and other selected retail outlets while stocks last.

Highlanders polls: Its Ndlela Vs Moyo

Highlanders Football Club election fever has started heating up with Bulawayo businessman Mandla Moyo confirming he is going to challenge incumbent chairman Themba Ndlela in the polls to be held in January.After months riddled with speculation and rumour-mongering in football circles in the City of Kings and Queens, Moyo finally confirmed to NewsDay Sport on Saturday that he would be standing for the post of executive chairman come next year.

One of the most contentious football elections in the country after the Zifa elections will be held a week after the club’s annual general meeting, which is usually held on the last Sunday of January.

Confirming his position, Moyo said he was heeding a call from the Highlanders family in and around the country.

“It has been a tough call and I will answer it. The rest will come as we go, but for now all I can say is I am contesting for the chairman’s post,” Moyo said.

Although Ndlela was ambiguous regarding the elections at a Press briefing last Friday, he said his business at Highlanders was not yet over, indicating that he would be seeking re-election.

“When I work for Highlanders, I don’t look at my term of office. The work that I am doing must be a continuous process. Highlanders has always been my home. Elections are something else. I have made my contribution to the club to the best of my ability.

“Whether I am contesting or not, it’s always a question that is difficult to answer when you are in office. In terms of my capabilities, I think I can still run the club. I am not in formal employment now and that gives me more time to take care of the club. But then if I am standing, you will see my manifesto,” Ndlela said.

However, sources said members of his social club, Amavevane — who make up about 25% of the Highlanders’ electorate and championed his election to the Bosso chairmanship in 2009 — are divided over his re-election.

Moyo is the owner of Eastgate Motor Spares, Fairlands Farm in Warringham and Halfway Mine.
He is also the founder member of Sparrows Football and life member of Highlanders.

Another name that has been touted for the Bosso chairmanship is that of board member and former club secretary Peter Dube.

Two other positions — the secretary held by Andrew Tapela and committee member held by Wisdom Mabhena — will also be up for grabs in next year’s elections.

Tapela last Friday said he would be issuing a statement when the time was ripe. Other names that have been advocated for are that of former manager Emmet Ndlovu, who has, however, said he was on holiday as far as football administration is concerned.

Incumbent manager Jerry Sibanda is reportedly eyeing the secretary’s post while the son former late chairman James Mangwana Tshuma, Jabulani, has confirmed he will be contesting for the committee member’s post.

Former striker Zenzo Moyo has urged former players to take control at the club and one name that has already been thrown into the hat is that of legendary Warriors skipper Peter Ndlovu, who is yet to confirmwhether he will take part or not.

Bosso Captain heads for Platinum

Highlanders captain Gilbert Banda’s imminent move to high spending FC Platinum is in limbo after the Bulawayo club is reported to have demanded a huge fee which has been turned down by the Zvishavane side.
A source confirmed that FC Platinum are interested in having Banda but the transfer fee demanded by Highlanders is too much.

“Bosso is in need of money and they have asked for $50 000 for Gilbert Banda. However, FC Platinum have said $50 000 was just too much,” he said.

FC Platinum secretary-general Phil Muwengwa refuted claims that they were interested in signing the Highlanders captain.

“We are not interested in signing him. We have got enough players in the team,” he said.

Contacted for comment, Highlanders secretary Andrew Tapela said Banda was still a Highlanders player.

“Gilbert Banda is still at Highlanders and he is still the captain of the team. He is training and preparing for Sunday’s game (against Zimbabwe Saints),” he said.

The transfer window closes on Sunday. However, a source yesterday told this publication that Banda signed a one-year contract with Bosso at the beginning of the season after the previous deal expired.

NewsDay Sport is reliably informed that he is yet to get his signing on fees after renewing his contract with the Bulawayo club.

Banda is one of the few remaining long-serving members, alongside Bekithemba Ndlovu and Gift Lunga at the club and has been instrumental in two crucial victories this season. He scored in the 1-0 win over Caps United in a league match before scoring the winner again in the BancABC Sup8r quarterfinal.

Last month, the Bosso skipper attended trials at South African side Platinum Stars with former Caps United defender Gilbert Mapemba, who has now joined Moroka Swallows, but coach Owen da Gama said the former Warriors player was too short. He has also been linked to SuperSport United.

Banda played under Platinum coach Rahman Gumbo and is reported to be keen to reunite with the former Warriors coach. At the beginning of the season, Platinum reportedly splashed $65 000 on Highlanders midfielder Joel Ngodzo, who is yet to reach the heights he scaled at his former club last season.

Platinum have Norman Togara, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Daniel Vheremu and Khumbulani Banda in their defence line up while Lincoln Zvasiya and Mthulisi Maphosa can also be used at the back when the need arises.

Platinum have always operated in a denial mode — first denying that the late Benjamin Moyo was going to be their coach, then denying that Gumbo was going to take over before this week’s denial that former Warriors defender Zvenyika Makonese was training with the team.

Platinum have a galaxy of stars, ranging from footballer of the year Charles Sibanda, Thabani Kamusoko, Mernard Mupera, Bheki Ncube, Benjamin Marere to youngsters Ray Sibanda and Donald Ngoma and might need to offload some to make way for new signings.

Former Caps United defender Itayi Gwandu is also seeking a deal there together with two Malawians.
Platinum play Hwange at home this Sunday seeking to increase their lead at the top as defending champions and second placed Motor Action are in active.

Platinum have 36 points, two ahead of the Mighty Bulls who will face Kiglon in a midweek encounter.