Orlando Pirates are set to kick off their 2024/25 CAF Champions League campaign with a challenging away fixture against CNaPS Sport this weekend. The first leg of the first preliminary round tie is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the National Sports Complex in Madagascar.
New Season, New Look
As the Buccaneers prepare to kick off this weekend, fans will notice some changes to the familiar jersey numbers. The adjustments are in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, which stipulate a maximum of 40 registered players, each assigned a number from 1 to 40.
Iconic Numbers Return
This rule has led to the revival of some previously unused jersey numbers at Orlando Pirates, namely 10, 13, and 22. Notably, the number 10 jersey, once worn by Vincent Pule, will now be donned by the reigning PSL Players’ Player of the Season, Tito Maswanganyi, who typically wears number 28 in the league. Relebohile Mofokeng will also swap his number 38 for the number 3 jersey.
Furthermore, players whose regular season numbers exceed 40 will be assigned numbers vacated by unregistered squad members for this stage of the competition.
Orlando Pirates Full Squad List with Updated Jersey Numbers:
- 1 Melusi Buthelezi
- 2 Thabiso Monyane
- 3 Relebohile Mofokeng
- 4 Miguel Timm
- 5 Nkosinathi Sibisi
- 6 Olisa Ndah
- 7 Deon Hotto
- 8 Makhehleni Makhaula
- 9 Zakhele Lepasa
- 10 Patrick Maswanganyi
- 11 Gilberto
- 12 Katlego Otladisa
- 14 Monnapule Saleng
- 15 Phillip Ndlondlo
- 16 Thalenthe Mbatha
- 17 Evidence Makgopa
- 18 Kabelo Dlamini
- 19 Tshegofatso Mabasa
- 20 Goodman Mosele
- 21 Lesedi Kapinga
- 23 Innocent Maela
- 24 Sipho Chaine
- 25 Karim Kimvuidi
- 26 Bandile Shandu
- 27 Tapelo Xoki
- 28 Thabiso Sesane
- 29 Paseka Mako
- 30 Deano van Rooyen
- 31 Selaelo Rasebotja
- 32 Thuso Moleleki
- 33 Mohau Nkota
- 36 Thabitso Lebitso
- 39 Sandile Mthethwa
- 40 Siyabonga Dladla
Expectations and Ambitions
Orlando Pirates enter the CAF Confederation Cup with high hopes. Having narrowly missed out on the Betway Premiership title last season, the Buccaneers will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage. A successful campaign in the Confederation Cup would be a fitting reward for the club and its passionate supporters.
Related article: Confirmed Orlando Pirates Fixtures for the 2024/25 Season