Orlando Pirates attacker Patrick Maswanganyi feels honoured to don the number 10 jersey made famous by club legends such as Chippa Moloi and Jomo Sono, saying it has always been a childhood dream of his.
The Buccaneers are gearing up for Friday evening’s CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg clash against Madagascar champions Disciples FC after being held to a disappointing 0-0 stalemate by their less fancied opponents in the first leg in Mauritius last week.
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‘Tito’ could not hide his excitement in order to fulfil his childhood dream of wearing the number 10 jersey, which he was given in CAF competitions, where squad numbers are limited to a set number, while he continues with 28 in domestic competitions.
“It’s an honour to wear this number. To have the number 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’ official website.
“I have always loved the number 10 jersey ever since I was young. The first soccer shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid that my father had bought it 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 number 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 number 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 and move to the next round,” Maswanganyi concluded.
Pirates are looking to brush aside Disciples FC later this evening at Orlando Stadium and advance to the group stages.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 19:30.
