A new season brings new identities, fresh ambitions, and a fresh set of numbers for the Buccaneers.

With the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign just hours away, Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed their first-team squad numbers ahead of their title defence, unveiling a list that features exciting new arrivals, academy graduates, and several notable changes among established stars.

The Buccaneers will begin their league journey on home soil this Saturday when they welcome newly promoted Milford FC to the Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The Soweto giants enter the new campaign after a busy off-season focused on strengthening the squad and fine-tuning their tactical approach.

A major recruitment drive that saw nine new signings arrive, combined with a number of departures, has resulted in several changes to the squad number landscape. While many familiar shirts remain with their long-time owners, a new generation of Pirates players will step onto the pitch carrying fresh numbers and new expectations.

New Arrivals Receive Their Buccaneers Identities

Defensive reinforcement Neo Rapoo has been handed the number 19 jersey, becoming one of the latest additions to the Pirates defensive department.

He is joined by fellow newcomers Gamphani Lungu, who takes number 23, and defender Sbangani Zulu, who will wear the number 37 shirt.

The club’s continued investment in youth development is also reflected in the squad list, with highly rated academy graduate Mpho Padime promoted to the senior team and assigned the famous number 38 jersey — a shirt previously worn by reigning PSL Footballer of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng.

Midfield prospects Matome Mmolai and Mthetheleli Mthiyane will begin their senior campaigns wearing numbers 26 and 29 respectively, while Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen starts his Pirates journey with the number 31 shirt.

Recent midfield signing Thapelo Mokobodi, who arrived from Stellenbosch FC, takes over the number 33 jersey.

Other youngsters looking to make their mark in the first team include Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48), and Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49), while defensive talents Reece Braithwaite (41) and Cristian Derbyshire (44) complete the list of emerging players stepping into senior football.

Big Changes Among Established Stars

Several experienced Pirates players have entered the new season with different numbers as the squad prepares for another demanding campaign.

Lebone Seema, who was crowned PSL Defender of the Season, has moved from number 33 to the iconic number 6 shirt as he takes on a new role within the squad.

Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has switched from number 32 to number 4, while his former jersey has been reassigned to goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla.

Goalkeeper Zoëy Monyepao will now wear number 40, while striker Boitumelo Radiopane moves into the number 25 jersey, leaving behind the number 42 shirt he occupied during the previous two seasons.

The confirmed squad numbers apply to domestic competitions, although adjustments could still be made ahead of Pirates’ upcoming CAF Champions League campaign, where continental regulations may require changes.

Orlando Pirates 2026/27 Squad Numbers

3 — Nkosikhona Ndaba
4 — Abdoulaye Mariko
5 — Nkosinathi Sibisi
6 — Lebone Seema
7 — Deon Hotto
8 — Makhehleni Makhaula
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 Mokobodi
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

A Fresh Season, A Fresh Identity

With a blend of experienced campaigners, exciting recruits, and a wave of academy talent, Orlando Pirates head into the 2026/27 season with renewed confidence and a squad built for success on multiple fronts.

The numbers may have changed, but the mission remains the same — compete for trophies, defend their league crown, and continue writing new chapters in the club’s proud history.