A number of personnel changes have been made at the Pirates over the off-season, with some departures freeing up a few numbers for the newcomers while a few other players have chosen to change the digits on their backs in preparation for the upcoming season.
Former captain Happy Jele recently gave up the number 4 shirt, which is now worn by midfielder Miguel Timm.
Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will now wear the number 5 on his back.
Evidence Makgopa and Bienvenu Eva Nga, two forwards, will wear numbers 17 and 33, respectively, while Monnapule Saleng, who spent the entire season on loan at Swallows, will wear number 14.
Defender Tapelo Xoki, who was also recently added to the First Team, will wear number 27 in his first year with the Soweto Giants because it is still available at the Buccaneers, where he previously wore it.
The numbers on the backs of two of the more seasoned players have changed. Deon Hotto, who will wear number 7, will switch from number 11—which he has worn since joining the club in 2020—to number 7, making room for Fortune Makaringe, who will wear number 15.
The remaining members of the team, including those who are currently on loan to other Clubs, rehearse their original squad numbers.
Pirates kick off their campaign on Saturday, August 6, at Orlando Stadium in a Derby match against Soweto rivals Swallows.
Here is the full list of jersey numbers below:
2 Thabiso Monyane
3 Thembinkosi Lorch
4 Miguel Timm
5 Nkosinathi Sibisi
6 Ben Motshwari
7 Deon Hotto
8 Siphesihle Ndlovu
11 Fortune Makaringe
12 Collins Makgaka
14 Monnapule Saleng
16 Thabang Monare
17 Evidence Makgopa
18 Kabelo Dlamini
20 Goodman Mosele
23 Innocent Maela
24 Tebogo Tlolane
25 Zakhele Lepasa
26 Bandile Shandu
27 Tapelo Xoki
28 Ntsako Makhubela
29 Paseka Mako
31 Richard Ofori
33 Bienvenu Eva Nga
35 Kopano Thuntsane
37 Terrence Dzvukamanja
40 Siyabonga Mpontshane
45 Vincent Pule
46 Kwame Peprah
49 Olisa Ndah