Orlando Pirates Mourn Loss of Nani Chakane

Orlando Pirates are mourning the loss of one of the club’s most cherished matriarchs, after the passing of Mrs Maleshoane Elizabeth “Nani” Chakane on 23 June 2026.

Mrs Chakane, the beloved wife of long-serving club figure Mr Franklin Chakane, was a familiar and respected presence around the Buccaneers’ family. Her death has cast a sombre shadow over the Soweto giants, who have called on the wider football community to stand with the Chakanes in their grief.

The club has extended its deepest condolences to Mr Chakane, the entire Chakane family, their relatives, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Nani’s warmth and spirit.

Funeral Service

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at the Uniting Reformed Church of South Africa in Orlando East, Soweto. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 09:00, with the funeral procession expected to leave the church at approximately 11:00 for the burial at Nasrec Cemetery.

Mourners are being received at the family home at 1173 Jacobs Street, Protea North, Soweto, where the outpouring of support from neighbours, friends and members of the football fraternity has already begun to reflect the impact she had on those around her.

At a club where family has always underpinned the badge, Orlando Pirates have asked supporters to keep the Chakane family firmly in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period.