Former Orlando Pirates striker Jerry Sikhosana has expressed his disappointment with his former club, claiming that he has not received the recognition he believes he deserves for his contribution to the team during his playing career.

Sikhosana, popularly known as ‘Legs of Thunder’, remains an important figure in the history of the Buccaneers because of his role in their 1995 CAF Champions League triumph. The former striker scored the decisive goal in the second leg against ASEC Mimosas, helping Pirates secure their only title in the competition.

The 57-year-old joined the Soweto giants from Witbank Aces in 1993 and played for the club until 1998. He later returned for a second spell between 2000 and 2001. During his time at Pirates, Sikhosana scored 44 goals in 125 appearances, establishing himself as one of the club’s memorable attacking players.

Despite his achievements, Sikhosana believes the club has not given him the treatment he expected after his playing days ended. He shared his frustrations while speaking on the Kasi Jam podcast from the Podcast & Chill network, where he recalled an experience that left him feeling unappreciated.

The former Bafana Bafana international explained that he once had to queue with ordinary supporters to buy a ticket for a Pirates match. He felt that, considering his contribution to the club’s history, he should have received assistance as a former player and recognised legend.

“When you look at the Pirates jersey with a star, the first impression should be, ‘Thank you Jerry Sikhosana, you gave us a star’,” he said.

Sikhosana also recalled an occasion in Durban when he was with former goalkeeper Brian Baloyi. During the visit, he encountered Pirates media officer Thandi Merafe and former players Edward Motale and Lucky Lekgwathi, who were wearing new Pirates tracksuits.

He believed the two former players had been selected to represent the club’s legends at the match, but he felt excluded from the arrangements. Sikhosana explained that he was not looking for special recognition beyond receiving a ticket to attend the game as a former Pirates striker.

He was particularly grateful to Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director Jessica Motaung, who helped arrange a VIP suite ticket for him despite representing Pirates’ biggest rivals.

“I got special treatment from a rival, which is the same team I used to destroy. Where are the people I served during the derby?” Sikhosana asked.

His comments have highlighted his disappointment over what he considers a lack of appreciation from Pirates, especially given his contribution to their historic continental success.

Sikhosana remains involved in football and owns Tembisa Hollywood Thunder FC, which competes in the ABC Motsepe League.

Source: IDiskiTimes