Orlando Pirates have confirmed the registered players their CAF Champions League campaign, as well several changes in terms of jersey numbers... with number 10 grabbed by a fan-favourite.
The Buccaneers are set to kick off their 2024/25 continental conquest on Sunday with a clash against CNaPS Sport of Madagascar in the first preliminary round.
READ | Fresh test for Pirates
In line with cup competition regulations, which dictate that each team has to register a maximum of 40 players who will wear jersey numbers 1 up to 40, the Soweto giants have made some changes to their regular league numbers.
24/25 CAF #ShowMeYourNumber Edition ??
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 14, 2024
The Following Players have been assigned the following numbers for @CAFCLCC
Sephelo Baloni
Melusi Buthelezi
Thabiso Sesane
Relebohile Mofokeng
Patrick Maswanganyi
??Full Details ???? https://t.co/OrmcZLf4X3
????????#OnceAlways… pic.twitter.com/qdiAbannni
The most notable change is that of PSL Player's Player of the Season Patrick Maswanganyi, who will don Pirates' famous number 10 shirt.
The number is retired in the league as a tribute to the legendary Jomo Sono but is available for continental competitions and has previously been worn by Vincent Pule in the Champions League.
READ | Pirates-bound star pens emotional message
Meanwhile, Relebohile Mofokeng makes the switch from number 38 to 3, previously belonging to Thembinkosi Lorch.
Other changes include that of Siphelo Baloni, who will don the number 22 as he makes way for new signing Deano van Rooyen to wear 30.
Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi will wear jersey number 1, famously used by Senzo Meyiwa, while Thabiso Sesane drops number 36 in favour of 28, made vacant by Maswanganyi.