Former Orlando Pirates striker Jerry Sikhosana has said he is disappointed with his old club. He claims he was denied a ticket when he asked to attend an event as a club legend, and that it was Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates' fiercest rivals, who came to his aid.

Sikhosana is one of the best-known names in Pirates history. He believes former players who played a big part in the club's success deserve respect and recognition long after they stop playing. His comments have started a new debate about how South African clubs treat the stars who helped build their identity and reputation.

He recalled approaching Pirates in the hope of getting a ticket and feeling overlooked by the club he once proudly served. He says the situation became more painful when Chiefs gave him a ticket instead. This came from the same Soweto giants he spent his playing days competing against in one of the biggest rivalries in South African football.

Sikhosana also said he met Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung as he was leaving. After hearing that he had been asking for tickets, she reportedly checked on him and told him the club knew who he was. He said her response made him think about the gap between the attention he got from a rival and what he felt was a lack of recognition from his former employers. He wondered why the people he served at Pirates had not shown him the same consideration.

For Sikhosana, this is about more than a ticket. It is about appreciation, belonging and the duty clubs have towards people who played important roles in their history. He also spoke about the star on the Pirates jersey, saying supporters should remember what he contributed to the club's achievements. "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 remains a celebrated figure among Pirates supporters and was known as a dangerous striker during his career. His legacy is closely tied to the club's success and to the Soweto Derby.

His comments reflect his own experience, and the club has not been reported to have responded. Still, they raise a wider question for South African football: should clubs do more to make sure their former stars continue to feel valued and respected? For Sikhosana, after all he believes he gave Orlando Pirates, he wants the club to show that his service has not been forgotten.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2112831588169830659