Orlando Pirates have announced their squad’s shirt numbers for the 2023/24 campaign, including Zakhele Lepasa as the club’s new number 9.
The Buccaneers confirmed their squad for the new campaign on Friday morning ahead of their season opener against Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
Zakhele Lepasa has switched from 25 to number 9, while Thabang Monare moved from 16 to 8. Young talent switched his surname from Relebohile Ratomo to Relebohile Mofokeng and will wear the 38.
“Recent signings Katlego Otladisa and Patrick Maswanganyi have been allocated the vacant numbers 12 and 28 respectively, while Lesedi Kapinga and Sephelo Baloni will wear 21 and 30 respectively,” Pirates stated.
“The other new faces in the squad are attacking midfielder Karim Kimvuidi, who will play with number 25 on his back, with goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi donning number 35.
“Meanwhile, there are a couple of switches that have been made. Striker Zakhele Lepasa vacates his number 25 and takes over the number 9 jersey. Makhehlene Makhaula switches from number 36 to 16 which was previously worn by fellow midfielder Thabang Monare, who has grabbed the vacant number 8.
“Other changes to be noted is the change of surname of Relebohile Ratomo. As of the 2023/24 season, the 18-year-old will be known as Relebohile Mofokeng.”
Below are all of Pirates’ shirt numbers for 2023/24:
- 2 Thabiso Monyane
- 3 Thembinkosi Lorch
- 4 Miguel Timm
- 5 Nkosinathi Sibisi
- 6 Ben Motshwari
- 7 Deon Hotto
- 8 Thabang Monare
- 9 Zakhele Lepasa
- 11 Fortune Makaringe
- 12 Katlego Otladisa (new signing)
- 14 Monnapule Saleng
- 15 Phillip Ndlondlo
- 16 Makhehlene Makhaula
- 17 Evidence Makgopa
- 18 Kabelo Dlamini
- 21 Lesedi Kapinga (new signing)
- 23 Innocent Maela
- 24 Sipho Chaine
- 25 Karim Kimvuidi (new signing)
- 26 Bandile Shandu
- 27 Tapelo Xoki
- 28 Patrick Maswanganyi (new signing)
- 29 Paseka Mako
- 30 Sephelo Baloni (new signing)
- 31 Richard Ofori
- 32 Souaibou Marou
- 33 Bienvenu Eva Nga
- 34 Azola Matrose
- 35 Melusi Buthelezi (new signing)
- 38 Relebohile Mofokeng (Ratomo)
- 39 Sandile Mthethwa
- 40 Siyabonga Mpontshane
- 45 Vincent Pule
- 49 Olisa Ndah
- 95 Kermit Erasmus
