New Pirates signing spotted with Mako’s jersey number 

Orlando Pirates fans are anticipating seeing Daniel Msendami in action soon.

The former Marumo Gallants winger has started his career with the Sea Robbers in the midseason camp in Rustenberg.

DANIEL MSENDAMI WITH THE NUMBER 29 JERSEY

Meanwhile, Msendami has been spotted with the jersey number 29. It became available after Mako’s departure to Kaizer Chiefs.

Having played 141 appearances, including 32 matches across the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, the number 29 became inseparable from Mako’s energy, consistency and commitment.

PLAYING POSITION COMPETITION

At Orlando Pirates, Msendami knows the number alone won’t earn him minutes. The competition out wide will be demanding. Four other talented wingers will compete.

Oswin Appollis (24) offers right-footed balance and composure. Relebohile Mofokeng (21) brings flair and unpredictability. Tshepang Moremi (25) provides a natural left-footed option, while Kamogelo Sebelebele (23) adds pace and directness from the right.

Msendami has already described himself as a direct winger, focused on going forward whenever he gets the ball.

ANDRE DE JONG ORLANDO PIRATES JERSEY NUMBER SPOTTED

Another new face will be introduced in the Buccaneers’ attack. Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch FC. He finally landed after he was tracked for several months.

The 29-year-old New Zealander brings versatility, able to operate as a striker or in an advanced midfield role.

What has caught the eye this week, however, is the jersey on his back. De Jong has been spotted wearing the number 14 shirt, a number last associated with fan favourite Monnapule Saleng, who sealed a big-money move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

De Jong’s arrival is less about flash and more about function. He offers intelligent movement, sharp link-up play and a strong work ethic, qualities that could quietly elevate those around him rather than dominate the headlines.

His output at Stellies was steady rather than spectacular. In the opening half of the season, he managed three goals and one assist from 22 matches, building on a productive 2023/24 campaign where he contributed eight goals and five assists across all competitions.

At Pirates, competition will be fierce. Sipho Mbule, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kabelo Dlamini and Relebohile Mofokeng are all fighting for attacking roles, but De Jong’s positional discipline and relentless running may appeal to coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as he looks to strike the right balance between creativity and control.