SEBOKENG.- Throughout its history, Orlando Pirates has consistently boasted players hailing from Vaal, a tradition dating years back to the era of the esteemed Andrew “Malome” Phiri. Phiri joined Orlando Pirates from the now-defunct Vaal Professional, and he was one of the best defenders this country ever produced.
At Vaal Professional, he formed a deadly and solid combination at the back with Simon “Bull” Lehoko before the two joined Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs respectively.
The club was a trendsetter when it comes to signing the best talent from Vaal. Joseph “China” Masondo was one of the best players from Vaal to play for Orlando Pirates. Pirates signed this skinny dreadlocks midfielder from School of Excellence.
Despite his talent, Masondo was made to ‘rot’ either on the bench or on the stand, watching less talented players play ahead of him. Masondo played football in an era where a player was judged by his physique, and unfortunately, Masondo’s small build robbed the country of seeing a skilful player. For the past few weeks, Sedibeng Ster Sport has looked back at players who have hoisted the Sedibeng flag high. Masondo is one of the players who made this region proud by playing for one of the biggest clubs in South African football history. He made headlines when he joined Orlando Pirates as a teenager. In a previous interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Masondo said he was judged by his physique, not his talent.
He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that he had to sit on the bench and stand to watch less talented players play. Motlatsi “Boom Shaka” Moopeloa was another talented player from Vaal signed by Orlando Pirates. However, just like Masondo, the country was robbed of the opportunity to witness this exciting talent.
He played a handful of games for Orlando Pirates, but South African football history will never be written without mentioning his name as one of the youngsters who played for a big team like Vaal Professional. This was during those years when it was not easy for any young star to play for a big team like Pirates considering the club’s history. This is the same team that had great players such as Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung, Percy “Chippa” Moloi, and Scara Sono, to mention but a few.
Apart from players, the late Johannes “Mzion” Mofokeng from Sebokeng Zone 13 was Orlando Pirates’ No. 1 Supporter. Orlando Pirates has always had a standout player from Vaal. Pirates boasts players and supporters from Vaal Motus Select Vereeniging.
