Orlando Pirates star midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has expressed excitement about being given the iconic number 10 jersey.

When Pirates announced their registered squad for CAF, Maswanganyi was assigned the number previously worn by Vincent Pule, who left the club to join SuperSport United. Maswanganyi, who cannot wear number 10 in the PSL, wore it in the recent draw against CS-Disciples and will continue to wear it for the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Friday (19:00).

“It’s 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 said. 

Maswanganyi’s love for the number 10 was influenced by his former Portuguese captain Luis Figo. “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.” 

The number 10 has been worn by some of the most iconic figures in football history, including Lionel Messi, Diego Maradonna, Pelé, Percy Chippa Moloi, Jomo Sono, King Kaizer Matatazela Mkhwanazi, Blessing Killer Mgidi, and Basil Steenkamp.

“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,” said Maswanganyi on Pirates website. 

“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.”