The debate surrounding the iconic number 10 jersey at Orlando Pirates, retired in honor of club legend Jomo Sono, resurfaced following the CAF Champions League performances of attacker Patrick Maswanganyi.
Maswanganyi, whose playing style featuring delicate touches often sparks varied reactions from fans, wore the number 10 in the continental tournament, leading to calls for its permanent return.
It's important to note that the number's use is limited to CAF competitions due to their squad numbering regulations.
Sono himself, the owner of Jomo Cosmos and a revered figure in South African football, offered his opinion on the matter during a press conference for his club.
He criticised showboating that doesn't lead to progress on the field and dismissed any comparison between himself and Maswanganyi when questioned about the possibility of the latter inheriting his retired number.
Maswanganyi has since responded to this criticism.
MASWANGANYI – ‘HE SHOULD INSTEAD BE SUPPORTIVE’
“As a person you shouldn’t look down on anyone regardless of who you are and what you do,” Maswanganyi said in Pirates’ documentary Bucs Camp as quoted by iDiski Times.
“I think for the fact that I play for the same team you played for and did well in, I think a person like him should instead be supportive so that we can also believe we can reach his heights.
“Because we’re here to try outdo those before us and many will still come to surpass us.
“So, if he can’t teach us to treat the next Orlando Pirates players right, we won’t want to either, we’ll feel like we’re just returning the favour for how we were treated.”
