There has been some confusion in the ranks of the Buccaneer faithful. After Senzo Meyiwa's passing, Irvin Khoza announced that the No. 1 jersey would be retired from Orlando Pirates. However, of late, Brighton Mhlongo has been donning this jersey.
It seems it does not upset supporters so much that the jersey that was supposed to be retired is back in action; rather, most supporters seem to be against any jerseys being retired at all.
"Then the same question must be asked, why was Meyiwa wearing Okpara's jersey number? Meyiwa did well for Pirates in his last two seasons, but I don't think he reached the legendary status of the likes of Okpara. As for Khoza saying he'll retire the number, you can tell that was just an emotional statement that was never thought through carefully. Senzo played as the no. 1 for three seasons, is his number worth retiring? Players die every time, everywhere and anywhere. Maybe if he died on the pitch it would make sense retiring the number, but died of duty. Next thing, players will be wearing No. 81,78 not by choice." – MGG06
"This team will end up without jersey numbers. Bring back all those jerseys and inspire other players." – millionare
"I'm of the opinion that there must have been something that happened, that maybe, just maybe, Brighton might have asked Dr Khoza to use the number that was used by Senzo, maybe as motivation and inspiration... remember the most closeness between the Late Saint Nzori and Brighton, sometimes we do things not to offend but with the aim of honouring... keeping something that will serve as motivation to reach the heights that your predecessor, mentor and colleague reached... I, for one, don't have a problem with the number being unretired, whether told or not, as long as the purpose is benefiting the club... and maybe to put something straight... Senzo never used No. 1 only, in African competitions he was using No. 24 or 26 and in domestic cup games he was using another number... please let us not create some sort of confusion. We will always honour and cherish Senzo's massive contribution to both club and country... and that's more than a number." – Papa - Ona
Do you think South Africa should end the culture of retiring jersey numbers?
