Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run inspires election-day ballot paper joke

Orlando Pirates supporters have jokingly turned the club into a political party, after a mock ballot paper featuring its name and logo circulated on social media during Local Government Election Day on Wednesday.

The joke reflects the optimism surrounding the Buccaneers after a highly successful period on the pitch. Pirates finished last season by winning the Betway Premiership, the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, giving supporters plenty to celebrate.

Their strong form has continued this campaign. The club have gone nine league matches unbeaten and also secured a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.

Although Pirates were unable to retain the MTN8 after losing the final to Mamelodi Sundowns, that setback has done little to affect the mood among their fans. Qualification for the Champions League group stage has been regarded as a significant achievement, especially after Sundowns’ title defence ended in the preliminary qualifiers.

The Buccaneers added another notable result on Saturday when they defeated arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby. The win gave Pirates bragging rights and extended their unbeaten league record against Amakhosi to seven matches.

That run of results has fuelled the light-hearted campaign for Pirates to appear on the ballot paper. Some supporters have suggested the club could bring law and order to the country, pointing to its near-perfect recent record in football.

Popular entertainer and committed Pirates supporter Primo Baloyi, the son of football icon Lucas Radebe, joined in by producing a social media advert explaining why he would vote only for the club.

The advert took aim at the unfulfilled promises and poor service delivery commonly associated with political parties in government.

Pirates’ next opportunity to extend their successful run comes on Saturday, when they host Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at Orlando Amstel Arena.

For supporters known as The Ghost, the match represents more than a chance to progress in another competition. They will expect the Buccaneers to produce another strong performance and reinforce the belief, at least in sporting terms, that the club is ready to rule the country.