South African Side Orlando Pirates Once Mocked Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur were once embarrassed by South African side Orlando Pirates during a pre season friendly, with the hosts really taking the p*ss out of their opponents late on.

Things aren't going great for Spurs right now, as Antonio Conte's apparent decision not to join the club leaves them still searching for Jose Mourinho's replacement.

All that is going on amidst the ongoing saga around Harry Kane's future, with the team's most important player wanting to leave this summer.

But things could certainly be worse for Spurs, as they were back in 2003. The club had just finished down in 10th in the league and headed to South Africa for pre season.

They lost 2-1 to the Pirates but worse than that, in a clip that has gone viral, the hosts really mocked their visitors in the last few minutes of the game, with flicks and tricks to keep the ball and frustrate Spurs.

Whilst Spurs struggled the previous season under Glenn Hoddle, the Pirates went into the match as South African champions.

It took until the 76th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when substitute Steve Lekoelea scored from a free kick.

Summer signing Helder Postiga then forced an own goal from Felix Muamba just a minute later, but the Pirates still had time for a winner.

With five minutes to go of the game Stephen Carr handled the ball from a cross, and the referee pointed to the spot. Striker Lesley Manyathela scored from the penalty to make it 2-1, before they saw out the game by mocking their opponents.

Ryan Mason, who was in charge of Spurs after Mourinho left, with Harry Kane on the final day of the season. Image: PA Images

Tottenham faired better the following week on that tour, as they took on Kaiser Chiefs, and not the band from Yorkshire.

Robbie Keane scored with just 30 seconds on the clock, thanks again to Postiga, whose time at Spurs was never as prolific as the two friendlies suggested it might be.

Matthew Etherington made it 2-0 before half time and that's how it remained, as Spurs were part of South Africa's attempts to get to host the World Cup in 2010, which they did.

Whilst it was Spain who went on to win that World Cup, will always remember it for Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal for all of Africa, magical stuff!

So really, Spurs' embarrassment was worth it for all of us...

Topics: south africa, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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