Helen Zille has bragged about being gifted an iconic Orlando Pirates jersey. The former DA leader – who is now gunning for the position of Johannesburg mayor – is a staunch supporter of the Buccaneers.

HELEN ZILLE SHOWS OFF ORLANDO PIRATES JERSEY GIFT

On her social media platforms, Helen Zille revealed that an old pal has gifted her a vintage Orlando Pirates jersey.

The black-and-white-framed jersey featured the signatures of players who had won the African Cup of Champions Clubs [now the CAF Champions League] in 1995.

At the time, the Buccaneers beat the SEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast to clinch the title.

Helen hinted that she would likely sell the Orlando Pirates jersey to raise money for residents of a nursing home she had visited.

She said: “This is a very valuable shirt with all those legendary players who then went on to be the spine of the Bafana Bafana team that won the AFCON (in 1996)”.

LONG TIME BUCS FAN

On social media, Helen Zille has been accused of faking her support of Orlando Pirates, a claim she has strongly disputed.

The 75-year-old watched the Soweto Derby in March at a Dobsonville pub.

Helen posted pics of her experience on Facebook, which quickly went viral.

Helen Zille watched the Soweto Derby in her Orlando Pirates jersey at a Soweto tavern.
Images via Facebook

The pics were criticised by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, EFF leader Julius Malema and Action SA’s Michael Beaumont, who claimed Helen had orchestrated a PR stunt at the soccer match.

Beaumont tweeted: “I don’t think she [Helen Zille] could name a single player or provide any prior post demonstrating her support for Pirates.”

Helen responded by pulling up old tweets of her longtime support for the club.

SOWETO DERBY THIS WEEKEND

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will meet their long-time rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, at another Soweto Derby set to take place on Sunday, 26 April at the FNB Stadium.

The match kicks off at 15:00.