Patrick Maswanganyi is delighted to have been handed Orlando Pirates' iconic No.10 jersey which the club retired in honour of Jomo Sono.
Sono dazzled with the number on his back during his heyday while players like Chippa Moloi have created great memories in the squad number.
The squad number is retired in local football, with Steve Lekoelea being the last player to use it in the Premier Soccer League before it was confiscated from him at the back of ill-discipline issues.
Pirates are taking part in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League qualifiers where squad numbers are dispatched in accordance to the number of registered players. ‘Tito’s’ usual number is 28, but has been picked to wear the No.10.
“It’s an honour to wear this number. To have the No.10 jersey is not only a childhood dream of mine but also a sense of responsibility and undertaking of the expectations that it carries,” Maswanganyi told Pirates’ website.
“I have always loved the No.10 jersey ever since I was young. The first soccer shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid that my father had bought for me. It was that of Figo.
“Everywhere I went, people used to call me ‘Figo’, ‘Figo’, and as a kid that sort of attention brought a smile to my face. I guess that fond memory is what cemented my relationship with that No.10 jersey.
“It means a lot honestly not only to me but also to my family, my friends and especially to those who look up to me. I don’t see this as just a number because for Orlando Pirates, the No.10 jersey holds a very special place in the history of this organisation.
“But having said that, we have work to do on Friday. As a team we are focused on making sure that we get the desired result and move to the next round,” Maswanganyi concluded.
If selected by head coach Jose Riveiro against Disciples of Mauritius this evening, ‘Tito’ will get a second run out spotting the coveted kit number, as Bucs need to win against the Mauritians if they are to qualify for the next round.
The two sides drew blanks last week, and anything else besides a Pirates win will spell out another failed attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
Meanwhile, Pirates players who have donned the No.10 in inter-club competitions are Benedict Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa and Vincent Pule.
Jersey Number 🔟
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 23, 2024
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoAlways#OrlandoPirates
