Orlando Pirates legend Amos ‘Heel Extension’ Mkhari showcases a skill that speaks to his nickname
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Orlando Pirates legend, the late Amos Mkhari, will have Giant Stadium in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, renamed after him.
The arena will officially be called Amos Chando Mkhari Stadium, according to the office of the City of Tshwane’s economic development and spatial planning.
Fast facts
- Mkhari was born in Ga-Rankuwa on 22 July 1954.
- He played for Orlando Pirates and Witbank Spurs in the 1970s.
Nicknamed “Heel Extension” because of his sheer ability to pass the ball with his heel, Mkhari died in 2014.
He joins another legend from Tshwane, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, who also had Super Stadium in Atteridgeville named after him in 2010.
READ: Tim Spirit | There’s a PhD to be done on why ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe was in a class of his own
The City of Tshwane shared that the rebranding of Giant Stadium in honour of Mkhari was approved by the council on 24 April.
According to the city’s department of economic development and spartial planning, the move was proposed by the Soshanguve heritage foundation two years ago, in April 2023.
The stadium, which is currently the home ground of second-tier side JDR Stars, is owned by the municipality.
In a statement, MMC for economic development and spatial planning Sarah Mabotsa explained that the move to honour Mkhari was in line with the city’s policy.
The stadium is a municipality-owned property. The city’s geographical names policy permits city-owned properties and roads to be renamed for reasons such as commemorating and honouring deceased persons, to recognise their achievements.
Mabotsa added that such moves boost community heritage and promote the character of the area.
Timelines
June 2024
- Public participation process was started;
August 2024
- During a public meeting, residents, as well Mkhari’s family, seconded the move to rename the stadium;
April 2025
- Council approved the renaming to Amos Chando Mkhari Stadium.
Mabotsa concluded: “I thank the Soshanguve Heritage Foundation and their work in seeking to pay tribute to past heroes and legends in our city.”
Giant Stadium was upgraded in 2009 and served as a training field for teams participating in the 2010 Fifa World Cup that was hosted in South Africa.
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