Orlando Pirates academy product Mpho Padime has been chosen to take over Relebohile Mofokeng’s famed No 38 shirt for the 2026-27 season, as the Soweto giants confirmed their squad numbers for the new Betway Premiership campaign.
The number became closely associated with Mofokeng during his rapid rise at the Buccaneers, culminating in him being named PSL Footballer of the Season before securing a move to Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. He will continue to wear the No 38 jersey in Europe, ensuring the number remains linked to his burgeoning career.
With Mofokeng now abroad, Orlando Pirates have moved to keep the significance of the shirt within the club’s development pathway by awarding it to Padime ahead of his first full campaign in the senior set-up.
Padime steps up as part of academy promotion
Padime is one of several academy graduates promoted to the first team and will be aiming to emulate Mofokeng’s impact at Orlando Amstel Arena. His elevation underlines Pirates’ ongoing commitment to integrating youth players into the senior squad.
The club’s announcement of its first-team numbers confirmed that Padime will wear 38 in what is expected to be a breakthrough season for the youngster, who is regarded as one of the latest promising talents to emerge from the Buccaneers’ production line.
Other academy products pushing for game time this term include Reece Braithwaite (41), Cristian Derbyshire (44), Bohlale Ngwato (47), Simphiwe Masilela (48) and Kabelo Kgotsitsile (49).
New signings allocated shirts
Alongside Padime’s high-profile allocation, several of Orlando Pirates’ recent signings have also been given their squad numbers for the new campaign.
Defender Neo Rapoo will wear No 19, while Gamphani Lungu takes No 23. Matome Mmolai has been handed No 26, with Mthetheleli Mthiyane set to run out in No 29.
Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen has received the No 31 shirt as he prepares for his debut season in South African football, and the club’s latest acquisition, Thapelo Mokobodi, will don No 33.
Sbangani Zulu has been assigned No 37, adding to the list of fresh faces looking to establish themselves at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Established players switch numbers
A number of senior figures will also be seen in different shirts this season, with Orlando Pirates confirming several changes among established first-team players.
Lebone Seema has moved from No 33 to No 6, while Abdoulaye Mariko switches from No 32 to No 4. Striker Boitumelo Radiopane, previously in No 42, will now wear No 25.
The full list of confirmed squad numbers released by the club includes:
3. Nkosikhona Ndaba
4. Abdoulaye Mariko
5. Nkosinathi Sibisi
6. Lebone Seema
7. Deon Hotto
8. Makhehleni Makkhaula
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. Zoey 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
Champions set for title defence
Orlando Pirates will start their Betway Premiership title defence at home to newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with supporters now knowing which player will carry one of the club’s most symbolic shirt numbers into the new season as Padime steps into the role previously occupied by Mofokeng.
