Orlando Pirates Investigate Players’ Betting Discussion

Orlando Pirates Football Club has launched an investigation following the emergence of a video clip in which players discuss placing bets on soccer matches. The video, which went viral on social media, features the team’s number one goalkeeper, Sipho Chiane, engaged in a conversation with fellow players in what appears to be a dressing room.

In the 30-second clip, Sipho Chiane mentions placing a R600 bet on an English Premiership match scheduled for May 12 at Old Trafford. He playfully shares his confidence in a straight win and humorously discusses waiting for his ticket at 12 o’clock. The video prompted the Buccaneers to address the matter publicly.

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The club clarified that the players in the video did not actually place any bets. Instead, it captured a light-hearted moment among teammates discussing betting. Orlando Pirates emphasizes that betting on any sport is strictly prohibited for professional players, even in jest. The seriousness of the situation led the club to institute its own internal investigation to ensure compliance with betting regulations outlined in the club handbook.

According to FIFA’s Code of Ethics, soccer officials, referees, players, and match agents are forbidden from participating in any form of betting, gambling, lotteries, or related events or transactions associated with football matches or competitions. Sipho Chiane, who recently took the number 24 jersey, faces scrutiny following the video’s release, especially considering the poor performances of other goalkeepers, Siyabonga Mpontshane and the injured Richard Ofori.