Honoring James Mpanza:
A Creative Journey with Orlando Pirates
Few things are as sacred in South African football as the legacy of James Mpanza and the indomitable spirit of Orlando Pirates. Creative director Ashley Benns recently shared his deep gratitude for being part of a project that paid tribute to this heritage, in collaboration with Orlando Pirates and adidas South Africa.
Reflecting on the experience, Benns expressed his appreciation for those who helped bring his vision to life. He credited Julian Robinet for helping translate raw emotion into striking visuals and acknowledged Chris Coetsee and Dare Content for their expertise in capturing the essence of chaos and energy in a real-world setting. Styling and art direction played a crucial role, with Chloe Andrea Welgemoed and Francois Ferreira ensuring every detail carried the right nuance and care.
But perhaps the most heartfelt thank you went to the Buccaneers themselves—the Orlando Pirates supporters and branches. Their passion, trust, and unwavering love for the club are what make Pirates more than just a football team; they are a movement, a culture, and a source of pride.
Benns' connection to football runs deep. He reminisced about his lifelong love for the game, a passion that he believes extends beyond this lifetime. His journey from playing football to translating that love into creative work is a testament to the powerful role football plays in shaping identity and community.
"Football is special because it’s for the people—it’s for us, and no one can change that,"
The project was brought to life with the expertise of Room Studio on concept development and design, offline editing by Damn Demarco, color grading by Stroobzz, and online editing by Refinery Cape Town.
Through this collaboration, the legacy of James Mpanza was honored not just in words but in the visual storytelling that captured the true spirit of Orlando Pirates—its history, its fans, and its enduring impact on South African football culture.