Orlando Pirates have confirmed that academy graduate Mpho Padime will inherit Relebohile Mofokeng’s iconic No 38 shirt for the 2026/27 season.
The jersey became synonymous with Mofokeng during his meteoric rise at the Buccaneers before the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season secured a move abroad to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, leaving one of the club’s most recognisable squad numbers vacant.
Mofokeng will continue to wear the No 38 jersey as he continues his career in Europe.
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First full season
Orlando Pirates announced their first-team squad numbers ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign, with Padime receiving the honour as he prepares for his first full season in the senior squad.
The talented youngster is among several academy graduates promoted to the first team and will hope to follow in Mofokeng’s footsteps by making an immediate impact at Orlando Amstel Arena.
While Padime’s allocation is likely to attract the most attention, several new signings have also received their jersey numbers.
Defender Neo Rapoo will wear No 19, Gamphani Lungu has been handed No 23, Matome Mmolai takes No 26 and Mthetheleli Mthiyane will wear No 29.
Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen has been allocated No 31, while the club’s latest signing, Thapelo Mokobodi, will wear No 33.
Sbangani Zulu has been assigned No 37.
New numbers
Other academy graduates hoping to make their mark this season include Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48), Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49), Reece Braithwaite (41) and Cristian Derbyshire (44).
Several established first-team players will also sport new numbers this season.
Lebone Seema swaps No 33 for No 6, Abdoulaye Mariko moves from No 32 to No 4, while striker Boitumelo Radiopane changes from No 42 to No 25.
Orlando Pirates begin the defence of their Betway Premiership title against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August with supporters now knowing who will carry one of the club’s most symbolic jersey numbers into the new campaign.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
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 this weekend?
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