Irvin Khoza is one of South Africa’s most powerful sports executives. He’s the Chairman of the Premier Soccer League and one of its clubs, Orlando Pirates. His influence in South African football goes deep. He served as the Vice President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and was instrumental in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa. Find out more about the owner of Orlando Pirates’ Irvin Khoza.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
People Also Read: How Much Is Deontay Wilder Worth?
Irvin Khoza’s Background
Irvin Khoza is a sports administrator born on 27 January 1948 in Alexandra, South Africa. He was a student at Roma Mission School and later went to Orlando High in Soweto. Irvin Khoza furthered his education at Fort Hare University but was allegedly expelled because he was involved in anti-apartheid activities.
People Also Read: Which Team Does Jude Bellingham Play For?
Irvin Khoza’s Career
Chairman of Orlando Pirates
Irvin Khoza’s ties with Orlando Pirates go back to the 1970s when he was in his twenties and worked as a cashier at Orlando Pirates.
He was later appointed the secretary of the club but was discontinued after a year because his uncle also held the same position.
Khoza, however, made a big comeback in 1991. He’d made more than enough money for him to take over the club. A year later, he was appointed the Chairman of Orlando Pirates.
Under his stewardship, the Buccaneers, as Orlando Pirates is fondly known, is now one of the most successful clubs in the Premier Soccer League. Orlando Pirates is the first club in the PSL to win the CAF Champions League, previously referred to as the African Champions trophy.
Orlando Pirates has also won the league title nine times, four of those in the PSL era. Other trophies the club has lifted under his guidance include the cup competitions:
- The Nedbank Cup
- Telkom Knockout
- MTN8
- CAF Super Cup
The football supremo has also been praised for raising the club’s financial status. He’s forged long-lasting deals with sponsors like:
- Adidas Vodacom
- Carling Black Label
- Electronic Arts Sports
Additionally, Irvin Khoza is also one of Orlando Pirates’ directors.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Chairman of PSL
Away from Pirates, Irvin Khoza also serves as the Chairman of the Premier Soccer League, a position he’s held since 2002. In 2020, he was re-elected unopposed and maintained the role for four years.
Irvin Khoza has been credited for the league’s commercial success. Former league sponsors ABSA Bank funded the league for 13 years (2007 to 2020). The bank reportedly pumped $26 million into the league in its first five years as a sponsor in a bid to make the PSL a global product.
After their exit, Khoza announced DSTV as the new league sponsor, hence the name DSTV Premiership. Through its channel, MultiChoice, the company is also the league’s official broadcast partner.
People Also Read: 10 Most Successful National Football Teams in Africa
Vice President of the South Africa Football Association (SAFA)
When Irvin Khoza became the Chairman of the PSL, he automatically assumed the role of the Vice President of the governing body of the South African Football Association, SAFA.
His biggest achievement was helping the country secure the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. For this, former South African President Jacob Zuma awarded him the Order of Ikhamanga.
People Also Read: 9 NFL Players From Africa You Should Know
Irvin Khoza’s Net Worth & Salary
Irvin Khoza is one of the PSL’s richest owners. His net worth of $10 million is mainly generated from his footballing activities. He also earns from several businesses:
- Boitshepo Investments, founded in 1997
- Marble Gols 261, founded in 2005
- Global Foreign Exchange
- Bophirimile Investment Holdings
- Nevisian Trading
Irvin Khoza’s Awards
His work in football has not gone unnoticed.
- In 2011, he received the highest honour bestowed by the president of South Africa, the Order of Ikhamanga
- In 2009, the South African National Defence Forces appointed him an honorary colonel of the Logistic Division.
- In 2004, Irvin Khoza was conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Zululand, hence his elongated name Dr Irvin Khoza.
Irvin Khoza is an influential figure in sports. His rise to the highest level is enviable, and he’ll be remembered for his contributions. If you want to rise to the top of your career, these books on Amazon have great advice.
Interested in watching the full article video? See below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more original, inspiring videos on the black experiences.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African American, African, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
