Orlando Pirates are gearing up to begin their 2024/25 CAF Champions League journey with a tough away match against CNaPS Sport this weekend. The first leg of this preliminary round tie will take place on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the National Sports Complex in Madagascar.

A Fresh Start to the Season

As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming weekend, fans may spot some new jersey numbers on the field. These changes align with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, which allow a maximum of 40 registered players, each assigned a unique number between 1 and 40.

The Return of Legendary Numbers

This rule has prompted the return of some iconic jersey numbers at Orlando Pirates, including 10, 13, and 22. Notably, Tito Maswanganyi, the reigning PSL Players’ Player of the Season, will wear the number 10 jersey, previously associated with Vincent Pule. Typically, Maswanganyi dons number 28 in league matches. Additionally, Relebohile Mofokeng will switch from number 38 to the number 3 jersey.

Furthermore, players whose regular season numbers exceed 40 will be reassigned to numbers vacated by unregistered players for this 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

Ambitions and Goals

Orlando Pirates approach the CAF Confederation Cup with great expectations. After narrowly missing out on the Betway Premiership title last season, the Buccaneers are determined to leave their mark on the continental stage. A strong performance in the Confederation Cup would be a well-deserved achievement for the club and its devoted supporters.