On a chilly Tuesday night at the Orlando Amstel Arena, the atmosphere was heavy with more than just the tension of a title race. While Orlando Pirates secured a scrappy 2-0 victory over Richards Bay FC to reclaim the top spot in the Betway Premiership, the night belonged to a man who was no longer in the stands, but whose spirit loomed large over the “Ghost.”
The Buccaneers moved to 47 points, level with Mamelodi Sundowns but leading on goal difference, thanks to an open-play strike from Oswin Appollis and a late Evidence Makgopa penalty. However, for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the three points were secondary to the memory of Charles “Makhalanjalo” Fantisi.
Before kick-off, a massive banner unfurled across the stands—a sea of black and white paying tribute to Fantisi, the legendary supporter who passed away last Friday in a Carletonville hospital. Known for his trademark topless appearances and messages of hope painted across his chest, “Makhalanjalo” [the one who is always crying] was a fixture of the Buccaneers’ identity.
A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND – CHARLES “MAKHALANJALO” FANTISI
Following the final whistle in Soweto on Wednesday night, Ouaddou dedicated the result to the fallen faithful.
“I have seen the reports of his passing, and I saw what our fans did tonight with the banner,” said Ouaddou. “When we lose somebody like that, it is a sad moment.
“He is part of us, of our team. When the fans lose somebody, it is like we lost someone in our team. All my condolences to his family and friends. We dedicate this victory to him and his family.”
Beyond the coach’s words, Pirates mourned the loss through a heartfelt social media statement. The club expressed its deep sorrow, acknowledging Fantisi’s unwavering loyalty over the decades.
ORLANDO PIRATES MOURN PASSING OF LEGENDARY FAN
“Orlando Pirates sends heartfelt condolences on the passing of long-standing and passionate supporter, Charles ‘Makhalanjalo’ Fantisi,” the club posted on Saturday. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the Buccaneers community during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League [PSL] confirmed on Thursday that a moment of silence will be observed at all fixtures this weekend to honour Fantisi, alongside “Usuthu Queen” Luyanda Mbuyazi and former Minister of Defence, Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota.
For the Pirates community, the loss of Makhalanjalo marks the end of another chapter in a painful era. He is the fourth iconic “superfan” the club has lost in recent years, following in the footsteps of Dejan Miladinovic [2023], Mandla “Mgijimi” Sindane [2020], and Mmasello “Diva” Thamaga [2019].
The victory on the pitch ensures Pirates remain in the driver’s seat for the title, but the night served as a stark reminder of the unique bond between the club and its supporters. As the fans sang into the cold Soweto night, the message was clear: the pursuit of the 2025/26 title is now fueled by the memory of those who cheered from the front lines until their final breath.
RELATED STORY: Pirates back on top after Makgopa’s last-gasp strike against Richards Bay