| Full Name | Pretoria Callies Football Club |
| Nickname | The Romans |
| Founded | 1898 (original), restructured several times |
| Original Name | Bantule Callies / Bantu Callies |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Stadium | Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium (Atteridgeville) |
| League (2025) | Motsepe Foundation Championship (2nd Tier) |
| Club Colors | Maroon and White |
| Legacy Players | Masterpieces Moripe, Jan “Malombo” Lechaba, Mark Anderson |
| Status | Active, competing in South Africa’s second tier |
🟨 1. From Bantule to The Romans: A Century-Old Heritage
Founded in 1898 by British settlers and later shaped by Pretoria’s Black communities, Pretoria Callies is one of South Africa’s oldest football institutions. Known in its early days as Bantule Callies, it was based in the township of Bantule near Marabastad, before transitioning to Bantu Callies and eventually settling on Pretoria Callies.
The club’s early years were marked by community-driven football, participating in local associations like the Pretoria Bantu Football Association, and building a strong identity among the working-class neighborhoods of Atteridgeville, Phelindaba, and Marabastad.
“They were never a super team, but they were a super team nevertheless.”
🟨 2. Entry into National Competitions
⏳ Timeline Highlights:
- 1971: Co-founder of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL)
- 1978: Transitioned to the NSL during league unification
- 1985: Promoted to top-flight but relegated a year later
- 1990s–2000s: Played in lower leagues amid financial struggles
⚽ Rivals:
- Arcadia Shepherds (Pretoria derbies)
- Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs (national fixtures during NSL era)
While Pretoria Callies never dominated like some of their counterparts, they remained culturally iconic — a source of township pride and resilience.
🟨 3. The Iconic “Romans” Identity
Callies earned the nickname “The Romans” in reference to their tactical discipline, resilience, and deep-rooted legacy. The maroon and white kits symbolized dignity, strength, and tradition — qualities they embodied on the field.
Their home base, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, is named after their most famous player — a local legend and national icon.
🟨 4. Glory Players and Heroes
👑 Notable Legends:
- Samuel “Ewie” Khambule
- Mark Anderson – National team goalkeeper
- Masterpieces Moripe – Legendary playmaker and stadium namesake
- Jan “Malombo” Lechaba
- Daniel Mboweni, Cheza Sibanda, Dan Mathe
- Selby Busanga, Sebusiswe Qwabe, Paulos Khavhamba
These players helped define Pretoria Callies’ competitive and cultural identity during the club’s golden moments in the 1970s and 80s.
🟨 5. Decline, Dormancy, and Rebirth
By the late 1980s, relegation and financial instability struck the club. They fell from the professional spotlight and spent decades in the lower divisions, including the ABC Motsepe League.
🔄 Revival:
- 2020: Gained promotion to the GladAfrica Championship (now Motsepe Foundation Championship)
- Led by club chairman Moses Malada, the revival focused on youth, community, and professional structure
A documentary on Masterpieces Moripe is currently in development — a sign of the club’s intention to honor its rich past.
🟨 6. Modern Era and Community Mission
Now playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Callies continues to:
- Develop local talent
- Engage youth programs
- Revitalize support in Atteridgeville, Marabastad, and Pretoria West
🟨 7. Cultural & Historical Significance
| Legacy Item | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1898 Founding | One of SA’s earliest clubs |
| Bantu Callies Roots | Deep connections with Black township football |
| 1971 Co-Founders | Helped establish the NPSL, South Africa’s first inclusive league structure |
| Legends | Produced national stars and local heroes |
| Community Engagement | Maintains football development in Pretoria |
| Modern Revival | Symbol of heritage preservation and football rebirth |
🟨 8. Final Thoughts: The Romans March On
“This club is our soul – we’ve waited decades for Callies to rise again.” – Longtime Fan
Pretoria Callies is not just a football team — it’s a century-old chapter in South African sports history. Through rises, falls, and rebirths, The Romans endure as a symbol of Pretoria’s spirit, football passion, and enduring pride.
