Orlando Pirates have handed academy graduate Mpho Padime the No 38 shirt for the 2026/27 season — the number made famous by Relebohile Mofokeng before his move to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Mofokeng, the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, continues to wear the No 38 in Europe, but Pirates have chosen to keep the number alive at home rather than retire it.

New Signings Receive Squad Numbers

Padime's allocation is the headline act in the club's full squad number announcement ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign. Several new signings have also received their numbers: defender Neo Rapoo takes No 19, Gamphani Lungu gets No 23, Matome Mmolai wears No 26, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane pulls on No 29. Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen is allocated No 31, and the club's latest signing, Thapelo Mokobodi, steps in at No 33.

Academy Graduates Promoted to First Team

From the academy, Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48), Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49), Reece Braithwaite (41) and Cristian Derbyshire (44) have all been handed first-team numbers — a significant group promotion that signals intent from the Buccaneers' development structure. Among established players reshuffling, Lebone Seema moves from No 33 to No 6, Abdoulaye Mariko shifts from No 32 to No 4, and Boitumelo Radiopane swaps No 42 for No 25.

Pirates open their title defence against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether Padime can justify the weight of that famous number from minute one.