Orlando Pirates FC: Founded by the Sono Brothers in 1937

One of South Africa's most storied football clubs, Orlando Pirates Football Club, traces its origins to a single evening in 1937 when two brothers decided their community needed a team.

The Founders

• Eric Sono and James Sono
• Residents of Orlando, Soweto (Johannesburg)
• Football enthusiasts who organized local youth

Founding Moment

21 July 1937 — The brothers gathered young men at the Orlando Communal Hall to form a club. They chose:

• Name: "Orlando Pirates" — inspired by the 1935 film Captain Blood (Errol Flynn as pirate)
• Colors: Black and white (originally), later adding red
• Nickname: "Buccaneers" / "Sea Robbers" / "Happy People"

From Informal to Institutional

• 1937-1940s: Played in Johannesburg Bantu Football Association leagues
• 1950s: Joined professional ranks; first black team to play white opposition (1950 vs. Johannesburg FC)
• 1971: First black South African club to win a major trophy (SA Cup)
• 1995: CAF Champions League winners — first South African club to conquer Africa
• 2023: 10 league titles, 9 Nedbank Cups, 3 MTN8 Cups, 1 CAF Champions League, 1 CAF Super Cup

The Sono Legacy

Eric's son, Jomo Sono (born 1955), became a South African football legend—player (Orlando Pirates, NY Cosmos with Pelé), coach, and founder of Jomo Cosmos FC. The Sono name remains synonymous with South African football excellence.

Cultural Significance

Orlando Pirates transcends sport. During apartheid, it was a symbol of black excellence and community pride. The "Soweto Derby" against Kaizer Chiefs (founded by former Pirates star Kaizer Motaung) is Africa's biggest club rivalry.

From a communal hall in 1937 to African champions—the Sono brothers' vision created an institution.