Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of a second CAF Champions League title resumes this coming weekend when they face Lesotho outfit Lioli in the opening leg of their first Preliminary Round tie at Free State Stadium.
The 1995 champions are fresh off domestic cup success, and now set their sights on scaling continental heights. The group of players that conquered the MTN8 will now be tasked with achieving a similar feat in Africa’s most prized club competition, with some sporting different numbers on the back of their shirts. This is to comply with CAF regulations, which allow numbers 1 to 40 to be used during the tournament.
While most squad members retain their squad numbers, there has also been some shuffling around with some players set to show up in different digits to those assigned to them for domestic action.
Among the newly-signed players, Sihle Nduli takes over the number 8 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.
Further changes include the number 4 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 3 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 6.
There have also been changes among the goalkeepers, with Melusi Buthelezi assigned the number 1 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.
Full List
- Melusi Buthelezi
- Tshepo Mashiloane
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Abdoulaye Mariko
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Deon Hotto
- Sihle Nduli
- Yanela Mbuthuma
- Patrick Maswanganyi
- Tshepang Moremi
- Oswin Appollis
- Nkosikhona Ndaba
- Thabiso Lebitso
- Masindi Nemtajela
- Thalente Mbatha
- Evidence Makgopa
- Kabelo Dlamini
- Tshegofatso Mabasa
- Simphiwe Selepe
- Deano van Rooyen
- Sipho Mbule
- Siyabonga Ndlozi
- Sipho Chaine
26. Bandile Shandu
27. Tapelo Xoki
28. Kamogelo Sebelebele
29. Sinoxolo Kwayiba
30. Cemran Dansin
31. Siyabonga Dladla
32. Lebone Seema
33. Boitumelo Radiopane
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB WEBSITE.
