Patrick Maswanganyi has expressed the honour of being handed the number 10 jersey, ahead of the clubs’ all-important CAF Champions League Preliminary clash later this evening.
Although this won’t be the first time that the 26-year-old wears the jersey, having worn it in Pirates’ goalless draw against Madagascar’s Disciples FC last weekend.
It will be the first time he dons the famous jersey in South Africa, and not only that, but it will also be the first time he does so at the Meca of South African football – Orlando Stadium.
A stadium where legends such as Chippa Moloi and Jomo Sono cemented their legendary statuses wearing that number 10 on their backs.
“Its an honour to wear this number. To have the number 10 jersey is not only a childhood dream of mine but also a sense of responsibility and undertaking of the expectations that it carries,” Tito told Orlandopiratesfc.com.
And so it should.
The number 10 has been worn by some of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history. Its legacy is a testament to the extraordinary individuals who have embodied the essence of football greatness. Now, this hallowed number finds a new custodian in Maswanganyi.
“I have always loved the number 10 jersey ever since I was young,” he reveals. “The first soccer shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid that my father had bought it for me. It was that of Figo.
“Everywhere I went, people used to call me ‘Figo’, ‘Figo’, and as a kid that sort of attention brought a smile to my face. I guess that fond memory is what cemented my relationship with that number 10 jersey.”
More than just a number
Much like the number 23 in basketball has transcended mere digits to become a symbol of excellence and iconic status, thanks to the unparalleled legacy of Michael Jordan.
His impact was so profound that the number 23 became synonymous with basketball excellence, a trend continued by the likes of LeBron James, who has embraced the number with his own remarkable achievements, further cementing its legendary status.
Similarly, at Manchester United, the number 7 jersey has become a revered symbol of footballing prowess, largely due to the extraordinary talents who have worn it. From George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and more recently Cristiano Ronaldo, the number 7 has been a hallmark of the club’s rich heritage.
Back home, the number has rarely been issued out by the club. Not because the number has been retired but rather out of respect for the legends who upheld the status of this legendary number.
The weight of this jersey is a reflection of its storied past and the high expectations it entails, elevating those who wear it to a status of unparalleled significance.
Percy Chippa Moloi, Jomo Sono, King Kaizer Matatazela Mkhwanazi, Blessing Killer Mgidi and Basil Steenkamp are some players who have donned the famous number with distinction.
“It means a lot honestly not only to me but also to my family, my friends and especially to those who look up to me. I don’t see this as just a number because for Orlando Pirates, the number 10 jersey holds a very special place in the history of this organisation. But having said that, we have work to do on Friday.As a team we are focused on making sure that we get the desired and move to the next round,” Maswanganyi concluded.
Recent History of the number 10
The last player to wear the famous number 10 in a regular season was Steve Lekoelea until it was taken away from him after a disciplinary matter in the 2001/02 season.
Since then, only a handful of players have been able to wear it, and that was only in the CAF club competitions, where squad numbers are limited to a set number, making it impossible to have the numbers unused.
Only time will tell when this famous jersey makes its way back to the playing field but what orlandopiratesfc.com can reveal, it has come close on two occasions. But we will leave that to Pirates Productions to touch on this subject one of these days.
In terms of CAF, club legend, and all-time top goalscorer Benedict Vilakazi was handed the number in 2006. A few years later it was handed to Oupa Manyisa until most recently the number 10 was handed to Vincent Pule.
In the world of football, the number 10 jersey is akin to a five-star rating in the realm of luxury—both are symbols of an unparalleled standard and a mark of elite distinction. Just as a five-star hotel epitomizes the pinnacle of comfort and excellence, for Orlando Pirate, the number 10 on a football shirt signifies a player who possesses an extraordinary blend of skill, vision, and creativity.
It is more than just a number; it is a revered mantle passed down through the annals of football history, carried by those who have redefined the game with their brilliance.
