The duo left the Sea Robbers for other teams and the club has re-assigned their jersey numbers to their stars.
Orlando Pirates are set for their 2024/25 Caf Champions League hoping to get better results owing to the quality within their squad.
They will be starting their campaign on Sunday, August 18 with a seemingly easy first preliminary round fixture against Madagascar outfit CS-Disciples at the National Sports Complex. The second leg will be played at the Orlando Stadium after a week.
Last season, Bucs stars Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch, who was the fans' favourite, were part of the Soweto Giants squad but they have since left for SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
Who takes Pule's jersey number?
Lorch was wearing his favourite number 3 jersey while at Pirates, while Pule adorned the number 10 one. Ahead of this weekend's game, the Sea Robbers have confirmed the changes.
“The rules according to the Confederation of African Football, for all continental tournaments allows for a maximum of 40 registered players, all sporting the numbers 1-40,” Bucs communicated through their media team.
“With this in mind, the previously unused Orlando Pirates jersey numbers 10, 13, and 22 will once again make an on-field return in this season’s installment of Africa’s premier club competition.
In the past, the number 10 jersey was worn by Vincent Pule. But since Mashonisa’s departure, the famous number 10 jersey has been vacated and will now have a new owner. Reigning PSL Players Player of the Season Tito Maswanganyi who currently dons the number 28 jersey in the league, will wear number 10.”
Mofokeng takes Lorch's number
Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng has shown his mental strength by accepting to inherit Nyoso's trademark jersey number.
“Meanwhile, Relebohile Mofokeng will exchange his number 38 for number 3 in this year’s competition,” Pirates added.
“Other jersey number changes will include the players who are usually numbered higher than 40 in the season roster, and these players will don the numbers currently vacated by the unregistered squad players for this phase of the competition.”
Gilberto will wear number 11, Deano van Rooyen 30, while Selaelo Rasebotja will wear jersey number 31.
