Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lebohang Mokoena has claimed that CAF president Patrice Motsepe is, at heart, an Orlando Pirates supporter.
Mokoena, who represented both Mamelodi Sundowns and the Buccaneers during his playing career, revealed that Motsepe openly declared his allegiance to the Soweto giants in the mid-2000s.
Motsepe purchased Sundowns in 2003 and has since overseen one of the most dominant periods in the club’s history, with Masandawana winning 12 league titles and a CAF Champions League crown under his ownership.
Speaking on Soccer Beat, Mokoena, affectionately known as “Cheeseboy”, recalled an incident in which Motsepe surprised the Pirates squad by entering their dressing room to congratulate them after a hard-fought draw against Sundowns.
“We dominated Sundowns for the whole match and the game ended 1-1. We just couldn’t score. Lelo Mbele was one guy who just couldn’t find the net,” Mokoena said.
“Then there was a surprise guest. Guess who? I know a lot of people don’t know this — the president himself walked into the Orlando Pirates change room. He came in and started congratulating the team on the performance and how Pirates were putting South Africa on the map.”
Motsepe is a Buccaneers at hears, says ex-Pirates winger
Mokoena added that the Sundowns owner felt compelled to personally thank the Pirates players.
“He said if he could, he would send envelopes into the change room because deep down in his heart, he is an Orlando Pirates fan from back in the day,” he explained.
“He told us, ‘I came into the change room to say thank you so much, guys. And by the way, I also follow the team.’ That’s the story of Patrice Motsepe walking into our change room.”
Mokoena concluded by joking that Motsepe’s loyalties remain firmly with Pirates.
“He was born a Buccaneer and, God forbid, when he leaves this world, we will have to bury him as a Buccaneer,” he added.