Maswanganyi opens up on being given iconic number 10 jersey at Pirates
Attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has opened up on being given the iconic jersey number 10 at Orlando Pirates for the CAF Champions League games.
Maswanganyi’s selection of jersey number 10 for the Champions League is due to CAF regulations, which allow a maximum of 40 registered players for inter-club competitions, necessitating the use of jersey numbers 1 through 40.
‘Tito’ has already donned the shirt filled with so much history when the Buccaneers played out to a 0-0 draw with Madagascar’s Disciples FC away from home on Sunday last week.
Pirates will welcome Disciples at Orlando Stadium this evening [19:30] for the return leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
This evening, it will be the first time Maswanganyi wears the popular jersey in front of the club’s supporters at Orlando Stadium.
The famous jersey used to be worn by Pirates legends like Jomo Sono, Chippa Moloi, King Kaizer Mkhwanazi, Blessing Mgidi, and Basil Steenkamp, to mention a few.
‘IT’S AN HONOUR TO WEAR THIS NUMBER,’ SAYS PATRICK MASWANGANYI
‘Tito’, who has been exceptional for the Sea Robbers, has expressed his excitement about being honored with the number 10 jersey, previously worn by club legends. He revealed that wearing the number was a childhood dream, and now he is living it.
“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,” said Maswanganyi in an interview with the club’s media department.
“I have always loved the number 10 jersey ever since I was young. The first football shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid that 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.”
Maswanganyi further stated how it means to him to be given an opportunity to wear the iconic jersey.
“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. 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,” he added.
“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,” Maswanganyi concluded.”
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