Orlando Pirates have announced their full list of squad numbers for the forthcoming Betway Premiership campaign, with Lebone Seema and Abdoulaye Mariko among several players given prominent upgrades ahead of the new season.
Premiership Defender of the Season Seema has moved into the number 6 shirt, relinquishing the 33 jersey he wore last term. In midfield, Malian international Mariko has switched from number 32 to number 4, signalling a more central role in the Buccaneers’ plans.
Their changes have triggered a reshuffle among the goalkeepers. Siyabonga Dladla has taken over Mariko’s former number 32, while fellow stopper Zoey Monyepao has moved into Dladla’s old number 40.
Up front, striker Boitumelo Radiopane has opted for a fresh start by taking the number 25 shirt. The 42 jersey he has worn over the last two seasons will now remain unassigned going into the domestic campaign.
These squad numbers will apply across all local competitions, although Orlando Pirates have left the door open for adjustments when they submit their list for the CAF Champions League, with continental regulations sometimes prompting minor alterations.
Champions return prepare for Milford opener
The new numbers will be on display when Orlando Pirates begin the defence of their Betway Premiership title against Milford FC at Orlando Stadium on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season.
Milford will travel to Soweto on Saturday, 1 August for a 15:30 kick-off, facing a Pirates side aiming to build on domestic success while managing significant changes to their squad.
The reigning champions have lost several high-profile players during the off-season, forcing a partial rebuild as they seek to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. The club has responded by targeting and recruiting emerging talents in an effort to “future-proof” the squad.
Pedersen arrival follows Mofokeng sale
One of the most notable departures has been Rele Mofokeng, whose sale created both a gap on the pitch and a demand from supporters for a high-impact replacement.
Christian Pedersen has been brought in with the potential to fill that void, although there is recognition around the club that he may need time to justify that billing. For now, there is an acceptance that “the jury is out” on the Norwegian, who could initially find himself starting on the bench as he adapts and competes for a regular place.
In attack, Pirates already have established options in Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa, and Pedersen will be expected to challenge that existing pecking order once he is fully integrated.
Early indication of preferred XI
An early indication of how Orlando Pirates might line up has also emerged, with a potential starting XI listed as:
Chaine; Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto; Nduli, Mbatha; Moremi, Dansin, Appollis; Makgopa.
That line-up features Seema in defence following his promotion to the number 6 shirt, while Makgopa leads the line, underlining the competition Pedersen faces to secure a starting berth.
With their squad numbers now confirmed and a title defence to launch, Orlando Pirates head into the new Betway Premiership season balancing expectation, transition and the additional challenge of a CAF Champions League return.
