The Sales House Champions Cup is one of the Tournaments that
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed a good run in.
Bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs won it in 1971 when it was
launched. Orlando Pirates were not to be outdone by their bitter rivals as they
won it in 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 and in 1976.
It was Kaizer Chiefs who won it before Orlando Pirates
reclaimed it in 1977 in a thrilling final which had all the Ingredient of being
a final besides the derby tag... Orlando Pirates lost the first Leg by an odd
goal in Durban to set up a very exciting 2nd leg Orlando Stadium.
During the 70's the rivarly between the two team was so rife
it was a matter of life & death and it was not easy for players to cross
floors, except for those with guts like one Elias 'Shuffle' Mokopane who was
darling to the ghost with his dazzling skills and part of the team that made a
clean sweep in 1973.
Shuffle had miraculously crossed the floor from Orlando to
Phefeni and almost at the same time Lusikiza BigBoy Kholoane had joined Orlando
Pirates from Kaizer Chiefs.
The game was bound to be a typical Cup final between rivals
with not more than one goal scored as none wanted to make a costly mistake.
Kaizer Chiefs held on to their first leg lead n in the dying moments of the
game their keeper Ronnie Malefetse resorted to time wasting tactics and it
backfired as Bucs were awarded a free kick just outside the Cheifs 18 area.
Alfred 'Ace' Mgedeza stepped up and unleashed a rocket that hit the crossbar...
the rebound found George 'Brains' Mchunu lingering in the area and he needed no
2nd invitation to level the score sending Orlando Stadium to ruptures and
forcing the game to extra time.
This time a revived Jomo Sono took matters upon himself when
he dribbled the whole of Kaizer Chiefs defense including the Keeper before
calmly scoring what looked like an easy goal. Bucs were in the lead n the
stadium was buzzing Shuffle Mokopane was not to be outdone as he had to prove
his worth to Chiefs. He also dribbled Bucs defense only to hit the side netting
when he had only Patson Banda to beat... much to the dismay of Kaizer Chiefs
fans, Bosses n Players.
The peace loving Nation couldnt take it n they Invaded the
pitch forcing the game to be called off. Bucs were eventually crowned
Champions.
[Credit: Philaman Madonsela]
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