Ramahlwe Mphahlele reveals Orlando Pirates dream that never came true

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele has revealed that Orlando Pirates was the club he dreamed of playing for as a youngster, despite eventually building a distinguished career with their fierce rivals.

The recently retired right-back is among the few players to have captained both Chiefs and Sundowns, spending the bulk of his career with two of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Yet, before establishing himself in the Premier Soccer League, Mphahlele’s ambition was to wear the famous black and white of Pirates.

“I don’t regret this, but when I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to play for Orlando Pirates.

“I loved Orlando Pirates because everyone loved Chiefs. But there was this team that had the likes of Old John, Jimmy, Mngomeni, that generation. I looked at them and I was like, ‘One day, I wanna be there,’” Mphahlele said.

Pirates came calling in 2011

Mphahlele’s childhood dream almost became reality in 2011 when Pirates’ then-technical director Stanley ‘Bra Stan’ Tshabalala made a determined attempt to sign him from Moroka Swallows.

The former defender recalled meeting Tshabalala at Exclusive Books in Hyde Park, where the Pirates official made his intentions clear.

“The opportunity came so many times, I swear on my grandmother’s life. Bra Stan always wanted me at Pirates. Do I regret not joining Orlando Pirates? I don’t know how I’d feel.

“Bra Stan called me and I met him at the Exclusive Books in Hyde Park. He was like, ‘I see you and Happy Jele at the back, you’re going to do well.’

“I was like, ‘Bra Stan, I have a contract with Swallows,’ and he said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll speak to Leon Prins.’”

However, Mphahlele’s strong relationship with Swallows chairman Leon Prins complicated the decision. He explained that Prins had supported his family financially and had even helped his mother build their family home, making a departure particularly difficult.

Sundowns ended the Pirates pursuit

With both Pirates and Sundowns interested, Mphahlele wanted any transfer to be handled properly. In the end, Sundowns reached an agreement with Swallows involving money and players, including Luvhengo Mungomeni.

“At that time, Pirates and Sundowns wanted me. Bra Stan wanted to finalise my signing, but I wanted him to do it the right way.

“After the meeting, Sundowns approached Swallows and gave them some money, including Luvhengo Mungomeni and two other players in a swap deal.”

Mphahlele initially believed the move could collapse after failing to agree on certain terms with Sundowns. But events at Swallows quickly made it clear that his future had already been decided.

“I went to Sundowns and when I got there, we didn’t agree on certain things. I told them I’m heading back to Swallows.

“The next day, when I’m at Swallows, I find Mungomeni wearing my jersey and I was like, ‘Bro, bring my kit, I want to train.’”

Mphahlele ultimately completed his move to Sundowns, closing the door on his childhood ambition of representing Pirates.

He went on to enjoy a successful spell at Chloorkop before later joining Chiefs, where he also became captain and cemented his status as one of the notable defenders to represent both giants of South African football.