THE FUSE

Orlando Pirates have confirmed their first-team squad numbers for the 2026/27 season, with several new signings and academy graduates receiving their jersey allocations ahead of the club’s Betway Premiership title defence.

The Buccaneers begin their league campaign against newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Following a busy transfer window, a number of new arrivals will wear fresh numbers as they prepare to make their official debuts for the Soweto giants.

Defender Neo Rapoo has been handed the No 19 jersey, while midfielder Gamphani Lungu will wear No 23.

Sbangani Zulu takes the No 37 shirt.

Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen will wear No 31 as he embarks on his first season in South African football, while the club’s latest signing, Thapelo Mokobodi, has been allocated the No 33 jersey.

Midfielders Matome Mmolai and Mthetheleli Mthiyane will wear No 26 and No 29 respectively.

Among the academy graduates promoted to the senior squad, Mpho Padime has inherited the iconic No 38 shirt, previously worn by reigning PSL Footballer of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng before his move abroad.

Other young players hoping to make their first-team breakthrough this season include Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48), Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49), Reece Braithwaite (41) and Cristian Derbyshire (44).

Several established Orlando Pirates players will also sport new numbers this season.

Defender Lebone Seema switches from No 33 to No 6, while Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko exchanges No 32 for No 4.

Goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla takes over Mariko’s former No 32 shirt, with fellow goalkeeper Zoëy Monyepao moving into No 40.

Striker Boitumelo Radiopane has also changed numbers, swapping No 42 for No 25 ahead of the new campaign.

While the confirmed squad numbers will be used in domestic competitions, Orlando Pirates noted that some adjustments may be made for their CAF Champions League campaign due to competition regulations.

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?

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