A former Bafana Bafana international has explained why he believes young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng would be a better fit for the iconic jersey number 10 than Percy Tau.
Currently, there is no permanent owner of the number 10 jersey at Bafana, previously been worn by legends like Shoes Moshoeu and Steven Pienaar, as well as Thulani Serero at various times.
READ: 'It was a mistake to rush him at Chiefs'
These days, the jersey has mostly been worn by Tau, though when he was omitted from recent squads, Mofokeng used it. Upon the return of 'Lion of Judah' to camp for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, Tau got the jersey back, with the Orlando Pirates youngster wearing 11.
KickOff.com is running a poll on this, with 383 votes cast so far. Interestingly, 44% of the participants believe Mofokeng deserve the jersey, while 22% are pro-Tau in the debate. Meanwhile, 34% say it's just a number.
Joel 'Fire' Masilela argues that Mofokeng deserves the jersey.
"The jersey number 10 is a special jersey that should be worn by a special player," says the erstwhile winger.
"It should be worn by someone who can carry the load, perform miracles on the field, and help the team win at all costs. A player who stands out every time they play.
"It's a prestigious jersey that should be treated with respect. Remember what the legendary Jomo Sono said about the number 10 jersey. Many failed to understand him.
"Shoes Moshoeu was the country's number 10 because he was exceptional. It isn't a jersey to be worn by just anyone. Players like Percy Tau, who often go unnoticed on the field, shouldn't wear it.
"This situation makes us, as a country, a laughing stock to others, and it suggests we don't understand the significance of the number 10 jersey in football," he continues.
The scorer of a contentious goal in the final of the 1998 Rothmans Cup says the Bucs star is performing at the top of his game, so should be handed the jersey on that basis.
READ | Downs warned: 'I struggle to see how Mothiba fits'
"What's happening in the national team isn't right. People need to understand their roles as leaders. The team manager, kit manager, and technical team should not treat it like any ordinary jersey.
"We often find ourselves in situations like Teboho Mokoena's yellow card issue because people are not taking responsibility. This is the national team, and it's clear there's a lack of teamwork at SAFA."
Editor's note: Head over to the poll on the KickOff.com homepage to cast your vote, and don't forget to check out a new poll every Monday morning!