Tito will once again be relied on by the Sea Robbers who hope to have a better campaign across all competitions.
Orlando Pirates recently made a huge decision to hand their star midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi the iconic number 10 jersey.
Worldwide, the number is associated with the best players – Bucs legends Jomo Sono and Chippa Moloi wore it.
Last season, the former SuperSport United player scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in the 40 matches played across all competitions en route to winning the Premier Soccer League Players' Player of the Season Award.
How does Maswanganyi feel after getting the iconic jersey?
The 26-year-old is delighted to be recognized by the club's management and went on to open up on why the number is so special to him.
“It is 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,” he told the club's media team.
“I have always loved the number 10 jersey ever since I was young. The first soccer shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid which my father had bought 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.”
What is expected of Maswanganyi?
Tito, as he is commonly referred to, concedes everybody associated with him is happy for the Bucs' decision to hand him the jersey number.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Pirates will be hoping to challenge for the Premier Soccer League title this season and perform better in the Caf Champions League.
Maswanganyi will also be needed to help the Sea Robbers to successfully defend the MTN8 crown, the Nedbank Cup and possibly win the Carling Knockout.
