Orlando Pirates Football Club has taken legal action to freeze R20.2 million held in four bank accounts linked to its former finance manager, Darryl Joselowsky. The club's urgent application to the Johannesburg High Court aims to prevent the dissipation of funds while it investigates alleged unauthorised transactions. This move follows an internal investigation that flagged hundreds of suspicious transactions.
The investigation was triggered by irregularities identified in Orlando Pirates' management accounts in July. A subsequent forensic analysis allegedly uncovered R20.2 million in payments that were considered unauthorised diversions into accounts controlled by Joselowsky. The probe examined transactions dating from September 2016 to August 2026 and found that about R43 million had moved from Pirates' accounts into the four Standard Bank accounts.
A further analysis of the transactions identified 742 payments totalling about R8.5 million in which payment descriptions allegedly did not correspond with the beneficiaries. Orlando Pirates is seeking information from Standard Bank to trace the movement of the funds, including details that could establish where money was transferred and who ultimately benefited from the transactions.
The application was filed without prior notice to Joselowsky, with the club arguing that giving him advance warning could create a risk that the funds would be dissipated. Orlando Pirates has also indicated that it intends to pursue the recovery of the R20.2 million, together with interest and legal costs. The club confirmed the court application but stressed that it should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing.
According to Orlando Pirates, the individual concerned, Darryl Joselowsky, is cooperating with the investigation, and the club is committed to a fair process for everyone involved. The club's day-to-day operations and commitments will continue as normal, as the team prepares for the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The case highlights the importance of financial controls at major sporting organisations, which increasingly operate complex commercial businesses alongside their teams. In Pirates' case, scrutiny of its financial records led to an internal investigation and forensic analysis that allegedly identified R20.2 million in unauthorised diversions. The club's application to preserve the funds is aimed at preventing any further dissipation while the transactions are investigated and potential recovery claims are considered.
Orlando Pirates said it would not comment further while the matter is before the court. The club's supporters, partners, and sponsors can be assured that the club's day-to-day operations and commitments continue as normal, with the focus remaining on the team and the season ahead. This development has raised questions about the financial management and governance of major sports clubs in South Africa.
Key points
- Orlando Pirates seeks to freeze R20.2 million linked to former finance manager Darryl Joselowsky amid investigation into unauthorised transactions.
- The investigation found 742 payments totalling R8.5 million with unclear descriptions.
- The club aims to recover the R20.2 million, along with interest and legal costs.
