Orlando Pirates’ Retired Jersey Numbers: Honouring Legends and Lost Heroes

Few traditions in football are as symbolic as retiring a jersey number. For Orlando Pirates, each retired shirt tells a powerful story — of greatness, tragedy, and respect. The club has retired four iconic numbers in its history, forever linking them to the players who wore them with pride.

⚽ Jersey No. 10 – Jomo Sono

Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest players, Jomo Sono’s number 10 shirt was retired to honour his incredible influence on the club and the game.
Interestingly, in 2024, the jersey was temporarily worn in the CAF Champions League by Patrick Maswanganyi, sparking debate among fans about whether the retirement should remain permanent.

READ: Orlando Pirates Name CAF Squad with Key Stars Left Out

🕊️ Jersey No. 13 – Sizwe “Sasha” Moleko

In 1998, the Pirates retired the number 13 jersey to honour Sasha Moleko. Though his career was cut short, Moleko’s memory remains etched into the fabric of the club.

🕊️ Jersey No. 22 – Lesley Manyathela

Lesley Manyathela, nicknamed “Slow Poison,” was one of the PSL’s deadliest strikers. His tragic death in a car accident in 2003 shocked the football world. That same year, he finished the season as the league’s top scorer, and the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award was named in his honour. Pirates retired his number 22 shirt in tribute.

🕊️ Jersey No. 1 – Senzo Meyiwa

The story of Senzo Meyiwa remains one of South Africa’s most heartbreaking football tragedies. The beloved goalkeeper and captain was assassinated in 2014. In his honour, the Buccaneers retired the number 1 jersey, ensuring his legacy lives on both on and off the pitch.

A Tradition of Respect

For Orlando Pirates, retiring these jerseys is more than just a gesture — it’s a way of keeping alive the memories of heroes who gave everything for the club. Each number tells a story that continues to inspire new generations of Buccaneers and South African football fans alike.