PSL and Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza turned 77 on Monday, receiving a host of heartfelt tributes and warm messages from the online SA football community.
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The story
The celebrated Chairman of Orlando Pirates and one of South Africa's most influential football figures, Irvin Khoza, marked his 77th birthday on Monday, 27 January.
His club, rivals, and the broader South African football community flooded social media with heartfelt messages to honour him on his special day.
The highly experienced administrator has enjoyed an eventful journey in the beautiful game, with his time at the Buccaneers spanning over 50 years having initially joined Ezimnyama Ngenkani as a 24-year-old.
In 1980, Dr Khoza was appointed as secretary of the Buccaneers and became chairman twelve years later in 1992 as a 44-year-old.
The club has achieved plenty of success under the Iron Duke's reign, such as making history in 1995 as the first ever South African team to win the CAF Champions League.
Pirates' boast five league titles since Dr. Khoza took over as chairman in the early 90s and made history as the first club since the Premier Soccer League's inception in 1996 to win three major trophies in consecutive seasons.
During the 2010/11 season, they claimed the league title, Nedbank Cup, and MTN 8. The following season, under coach Ruud Krol, they successfully retained the league and MTN 8 titles while also securing the Telkom Knockout.
The SA football juggernaut is heavily credited for the success of the 2010 FIFA World, as he ensured the tournament became one of the most memorable global showpieces, serving as the chairperson of its Organising Committee.
Dr. Khoza was given an Honourary Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Zululand in 2004, in recognition of his involvement in sports development, following his contribution to help South Africa win the right to host the World Cup in 2010.
In 2009, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) honoured him with an inauguration as the newly appointed Honourary Colonel of Logistical Division of the SANDF.
The South African government also celebrated Khoza's efforts with the World Cup by bestowing him with the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold back in 2011.
Dr Khoza earned the Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution towards development and transformation of football in South Africa.
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Here's a look at the birthday wishes that came Dr. Khoza's way:
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 77TH BIRTHDAY OF ORLANDO PIRATES FC CHAIRMAN, DR. IRVIN KHOZA
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 27, 2025
?? Wishing our visionary leader a Happy Birthday. ????????
????????#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/fzjdFyWnUx
Happy birthday, Dr Irvin Khoza ?? https://t.co/gdnQNV0D1e
— Bazil Solomon (@BazilSolomon) January 27, 2025
Happy Birthday to a true pioneer and leader of this great Institution. May God continue to grant him many more as he continues to forge new frontiers for football, for our country and Africa as a whole. Happy Birthday Dr Irvin Khoza ???
— Kaizer Motaung Jr (@kaizerm_jr) January 27, 2025
Happy Birthday Dr Irvin Khoza. May Your vision, strength and commitment to building African excellence continue for many more years to come ???#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways @orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/qVvAkRyngv
— Kaizer Motaung Jr (@kaizerm_jr) January 27, 2025
Happy birthday to the Iron Duke.?
— Vodacom Soccer (@VodacomSoccer) January 27, 2025
?A visionary in local football and inspiration to many. Sithi halala Dr Irvin Khoza ???
?#VUPYourSummer | @orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/UqqbPX81DM
Happy birthdays ?? to Dr. Irvin Khoza pic.twitter.com/m3yQhERZBK
— ngoako samuel maake (@MaakeSamuel) January 27, 2025
Happy birthday to the Chairman of the Mighty Orlando Pirates FC and the most successful league in Africa Dr Irvin Khoza. Kwande Mkhathini!#OrlandoPirates#DrKhoza pic.twitter.com/4MYb2nUhQR
— Simphiwe Dlamini (@UDlaminiYimi) January 27, 2025
?????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ????????????????, ???? ?????????? ?????????? ??????
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 27, 2025
On this special day, we celebrate your incredible contributions to the football world and the leadership, vision, and inspiration you continue to bring.
Wishing you a wonderful birthday… pic.twitter.com/YZ8448mywO
The EFF wishes the Chairman of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Dr. Irvin Khoza a Happy 77th Birthday.
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 27, 2025
Dr Khoza has played an integral role in the development and transformation of football in our country. His passion and commitment to the game of football is commendable and… pic.twitter.com/9YJCEAEsCW
The Jomo Cosmos family wishes the Chairman of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Dr. Irvin Khoza a Happy 77th Birthday. pic.twitter.com/7s5wtKWfWR
— Jomo Cosmos Football Club (@Jomo_CosmosFC) January 27, 2025
A Happiest 77th Birthday to our visionary leader… Dr. Irvin Khoza. ????????????????#OnceAlways ?? pic.twitter.com/Hq2LI82dXL
— Greater Randfontein Orlando Pirates Branch (@GR_OPFC_Branch) January 27, 2025
Happy Birthday to the Chair of Chairs, Dr Irvin Khoza @orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/iVKRZq0vQu
— Wezi Khoza (@wezikh) January 27, 2024
Happy Birthday to our Club Chairman's Dr Irvin Khoza! ?? pic.twitter.com/MuufAH1WnC
— Orlando Pirates Fans (@UP_THE_BUCS) January 27, 2025
Happy birthday to the Greatest Chairman of them all, Dr. Irvin "Iron Duke" Khoza. More Life Tata??????#OnceAlways #OrlandoPirates Lorch #NedbankCup Tito Chairman pic.twitter.com/eMgdTERCQv
— The Joy of the Lord???????? (@OfficialHeadboy) January 27, 2025
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 77TH BIRTHDAY OF ORLANDO PIRATES FC CHAIRMAN, DR. IRVIN KHOZA
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 27, 2025
?? Wishing our visionary leader a Happy Birthday. ????????
????????#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/fzjdFyWnUx
