Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele took one look at the sleek custom-built Gusheshe standing before him and said, "This car represents Orlando Pirates,"
A project that began several months ago, when Vodacom launched its Sisonke Siya Winna campaign and tasked the LA Customs workshop in Paarl with sourcing and rebuilding a Gushese (BMW 325i e30) in the iconic colours and style of the Buccaneers to eventually be won by one of their lucky fans, was now complete.
The idea was that this would be a vehicle that in every sense exuded the spirit of Orlando Pirates both on and off the field, and which also reflected the powerful Soweto culture of an era when the Gusheshe ruled the township streets and was the envy of every football star and fan.
As part of the rebuild, this Gusheshe was sprayed in the iconic black of Orlando Pirates, and fitted with custom-leather seats that included the Buccaneers logo hand-stitched into them. From its stylish Alpina mags to the latest Bluetooth sound system and a completely rebuilt engine, this is a Gusheshe that brings back the spirit of the past, embraces the passion of the present, and is cutting-edge enough to represent the future.
And now, at this exclusive revealing of the finished product, Jele had given his nod of approval.
"What a great initiative from Vodacom. Everyone loves the Gusheshe, and the design of this particular car is just so beautiful. I wish I could own one," said Jele.
"This car is Orlando Pirates. It's a classic and it demands respect. And when I hear that engine, it makes me feel exactly the same as when we've just scored three goals as a team."
Jele says the car brought back memories of him growing up and aspiring to own a Gusheshe one day.
"Everyone loves the Gusheshe. I used to see them around when I was a kid, and wanted to own one. I still love this car. I love its sound. When you see it, it grabs your attention immediately. I don't want to lie. I just love this car."
And he believes it is going to be the perfect prize for any true Orlando Pirates fan.
"Whoever wins this car is going to enjoy every bit of driving it. It's got everything that you need in a car. It's an old school car but with a very modern feel to it. When you hear that engine, it's very aggressive. It sounds good. It looks good. What more do you want from a car?"
Orlando Pirates legend Edward 'Magents' Motale has owned three Gusheshes in his life. But this particular one, he says, stands above every Gusheshe he's ever seen or owned.
"Everything about it is so authentic, and the engine is just fantastic. It sounds phenomenal."
And once again, Motale believes Vodacom and LA Customs have perfectly captured the essence of Orlando Pirates in this vehicle.
"This car is exactly like Orlando Pirates because it demands loyalty. If you loyally look after a Gusheshe it will reward you. And as a team, Orlando Pirates is the same. It has loyal supporters. But this car demands performance, just like Orlando Pirates. You don't come to Orlando Pirates as a top player and expect to be given a few matches to settle in. You are playing for a top club and you need to perform immediately."
The feedback from the team is like the sweet sound of this car's engine to the ears of Abey Mokgwatsane, Vodacom Managing Executive for Brand Marketing and Communications.
"This campaign is all about the fans and unlocking the passion they have for this sport and their team. The Gusheshe is one of the most iconic vehicles in Soweto culture, and we've matched it with an iconic football club that is also a product of this Soweto culture. But Orlando Pirates is not just a football club. It is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world. And similarly, this is not just a car. It's a culture. We're proud to have been able to make that connection between the fans and their team through these unique cultural icons."
To stand a chance to win this incredible vehicle, Orlando Pirates fans simply need follow @VodacomSoccer to get more details or click the link. Bhakajuju fans will get to double their entries when they download the Orlando Pirates Official App.
