Who will don the famous jersey number 10? Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis and the rest of Orlando Pirates new boys learn their CAF Champions League shirt fate

Fresh off their MTN8 triumph, Orlando Pirates are shifting focus to continental conquest as they prepare for the CAF Champions League. The 1995 titleholders will enter the tournament with renewed ambition and a few changes to their look.  

In line with CAF regulations, which restrict squad numbers to between 1 and 40, several Buccaneers will don different digits than those worn in domestic competition. While most players retain their familiar numbers, a handful have undergone a reshuffle as the team adapts for Africa’s biggest stage. 

“Among the newly-signed players, Sihle Nduli takes over the number eight jersey as he vacates the number 30 for fellow midfielder Cemran Dansin. Sipho Mbule meanwhile swaps his number 23 for the number 22, with defender Siyabonga Ndlozi taking over the former,” the club shared in a statement on their website.

“Further changes include the number four jersey, which has been handed over to Abdoulaye Mariko, while the number 13 has been assigned to Nkosikhona Ndaba. Among outfield players returning for their another continental campaign with the Soweto Giants, Patrick Maswanganyi retains the number 10, having worn it the previous season. His number 28 will be taken over by fellow Thembisa native, Kamogelo Sebelebele. 

“Like Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng also keeps his number three shirt from the last campaign, while striker Boitumelo Radiopane takes on the 33 jersey, having worn number 42 in league and domestic cup competition. Bucs number 37 Thabiso Lebitso will take over the 14 jersey, with club vice captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi grabbing the number six.

“There have also been changes among the goalkeepers, with Melusi Buthelezi assigned the number one shirt. Siyabonga Dladla swaps his number 40 for the number 31 shirt with Sipho Chaine the only one retaining his original number among the Pirates shot-stoppers,” the statement concluded.

Pirates delivered a thrilling run in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, showcasing grit as they stormed through the group stage unbeaten to top Group C. Their campaign culminated in a hard-fought semi-final showdown against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.  

Though their journey ended just shy of the final, the Buccaneers proved they belong among Africa’s elite. 

Pirates will reignite their continental ambitions as they head to Free State Stadium for a first-leg first preliminary round clash against Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, 20 September.  

Fresh off a fourth consecutive MTN8 triumph, the Sea Robbers will be eager to carry their domestic cup-winning momentum into Africa’s premier club competition, with eyes firmly fixed on another deep run.