Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has revealed how the Jozi Masters were formed ahead of the 2026 Toyota Cup curtain-raiser against Kaizer Chiefs Legends, and explained why they cannot use the Buccaneers’ official name.
The 2026 Toyota Cup is set for Sunday, 26 July at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Prior to the main tie between Amakhosi and Scottland FC of Zimbabwe at 15:00 [CAT], Kaizer Chiefs Legends will face Jozi Masters in an exhibition match at 12:00 [CAT].
Led by Orlando Pirates greats, Jozi Masters hope to make a mark and give fans a glimpse of their glory days. Zwane, one of the figures spearheading Jozi Masters, stated that the team was rebranded from Orlando Pirates Masters due to sponsorship clashes.
Interestingly, Zwane added that the rebranding from Orlando Pirates Masters to Jozi Masters has allowed them to incorporate other SA football domestic legends who did not play for the Buccaneers.
‘YOU CAN’T HAVE SUZUKI AND TOYOTA ON THE SAME CHEST’ – ZWANE ON JOZI MASTERS FORMATION
“Let me explain the thing about Jozi Masters, it is made up primarily of former Orlando Pirates players, Pirates Masters,” said Zwane on the sidelines of the Toyota Cup launch at the Naturena Village most recently. “But because of clashing sponsors, you can’t have Suzuki and Toyota on the same jersey. So we had to rebrand it. That’s how Jozi Masters came about.
“It’s a different brand from Orlando Pirates. But if it’s a different brand from Orlando Pirates, then it gives us the ability to include other players who are not Orlando Pirates legends.”
For Zwane, the clash between the legends is about nostalgia — letting young supporters see old stars play while older fans reminisce.
“We are looking forward to the game against Chiefs legends, and it is all about keeping fit, about having fun, and reliving the good old days with our teammates and our opposition. That’s what it’s really about,” he added.
“But I think also for supporters, especially young supporters, seeing these names that they were not able to see when [we] were still playing, [will be great], and all the older supporters [will be] reminiscing as well. It’s all about that nostalgia for them.”
Meanwhile, the Toyota Cup enters its third edition. Amakhosi faced Young Africans at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in the inaugural year before hosting Asante Kotoko at Moses Mabhida in 2025.
They now face reigning Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League champions Scottland FC, who have taken their home league by storm despite being just three years old.
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