THE FUSE

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that academy graduate Mpho Padime will inherit Relebohile Mofokeng’s iconic No 38 shirt for the 2026/27 season.

The jersey became synonymous with Mofokeng during his meteoric rise at the Buccaneers before the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season secured a move abroad to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, leaving one of the club’s most recognisable squad numbers vacant.

Mofokeng will continue to wear the No 38 jersey as he continues his career in Europe.

First full season

Orlando Pirates announced their first-team squad numbers ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign, with Padime receiving the honour as he prepares for his first full season in the senior squad.

The talented youngster is among several academy graduates promoted to the first team and will hope to follow in Mofokeng’s footsteps by making an immediate impact at Orlando Amstel Arena.

While Padime’s allocation is likely to attract the most attention, several new signings have also received their jersey numbers.

Defender Neo Rapoo will wear No 19, Gamphani Lungu has been handed No 23, Matome Mmolai takes No 26 and Mthetheleli Mthiyane will wear No 29.

Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen has been allocated No 31, while the club’s latest signing, Thapelo Mokobodi, will wear No 33.

Sbangani Zulu has been assigned No 37.

Other academy graduates hoping to make their mark this season include Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48), Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49), Reece Braithwaite (41) and Cristian Derbyshire (44).

Several established first-team players will also sport new numbers this season.

Lebone Seema swaps No 33 for No 6, Abdoulaye Mariko moves from No 32 to No 4, while striker Boitumelo Radiopane changes from No 42 to No 25.

Orlando Pirates begin the defence of their Betway Premiership title against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August with supporters now knowing who will carry one of the club’s most symbolic jersey numbers into the new campaign.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

Full List of Orlando Pirates Squad Numbers

3. Nkosikhona Ndaba

4. Abdoulaye Mariko

5. Nkosinathi Sibisi

6. Lebone Seema

7. Deon Hotto

8. Makhehleni Makkhaula

9. Yanela Mbuthuma

11. Tshepang Moremi

12. Oswin Appollis

14. Andre de Jong

15. Masindi Nemtajela

16. Thalente Mbatha

17. Evidence Makgopa

18. Kabelo Dlamini

19. Neo Rapoo

20. Simphiwe Selepe

21. Deano van Rooyen

23. Gamphani Lungu

24. Sipho Chaine

25. Boitumelo Radiopane

26. Matome Mmolai

27. Tapelo Xoki

28. Patrick Maswanganyi

29. Mthetheleli Mthiyane

30. Sihle Nduli

31. Sebastian Pedersen

32. Siyabonga Dladla

33. Thapelo Mkobodi

36. Kamogelo Sebelebele

37. Sbangani Zulu

38. Mpho Padime

39. Sifiso Luthuli

40. Zoëy Monyepao

41. Reece Braithwaite

43. Mpho Chabatsane

44. Cristian Derbyshire

45. Daniel Msendami

46. Camren Dansin

47. Bohlale Ngwato

48. Simphiwe Masilela

49. Kabelo Kgotsitsile

Will Orlando Pirates get their league season off to a winning start this weekend?

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