Senzo Meyiwa trial

The late Senzo Meyiwa
Image via Twitter

Kaizer Chiefs retire second jersey, while Orlando Pirates have retired these FOUR

Kaizer Chiefs this week confirmed they have retired the No 20 jersey of former defender and club skipper Howard ‘The Rock’ Freese.

Senzo Meyiwa trial

The late Senzo Meyiwa
Image via Twitter

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs this week confirmed they have retired the jersey number (No 20) of former defender and club skipper Howard ‘The Rock’ Freese.

READ | CRISTIANO RONALDO’S GIRLFRIEND IS PREGNANT – WITH TWINS!

At the announcement, Kaizer Motaung said the decision was taken in light of the “significant contribution” Freese had made to the club during his career.

The only other Amakhosi player to have had his number retired is club legend Doctor Khumalo.

When he finally hung up his boots in 2004 having played around 400 matches for the Glamour Boys, the club retired his No 15 jersey.

PICTURE | ANDILE MPISANE SHOWS OFF R16 000 PINK SNEAKERS!

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ bitter rivals Orlando Pirates have retired twice as many jerseys over the years – FOUR.

The No 1 jersey is no longer worn in honour of the late Senzo Meyiwa who was tragically murdered in 2014. 

The No 10 jersey has also been retired in honour of the legendary Jomo Sono for his dedication and performances to the Buccaneers during his playing career.

Another jersey no longer worn by Orlando Pirates players is No 13. That number was retired in honour of Sasha Moleko who died in a car accident in 1998.

Finally, jersey No 22 was also retired by Orlando Pirates when Lesley Manyathela died in another car accident at age 21 in 2003.

READ | BRICK WALL! MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TIE PSL CLEAN SHEET ALL-TIME RECORD

However, did you know that those retired jerseys are only not used in South African football?

When Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates play in African club competitions, those numbers are used as CAF requires players to be numbered from 1 to 23. 

READ | ARE ORLANDO PIRATES BECOMING DRAW SPECIALISTS?