Last weekend saw the emergence of two previously retired numbers being sported on the backs of both Oupa Manyisa and Kermit Erasmus, and it has got me thinking… Should Pirates bring them back? 

It was a shock to many when the duo walked out of the tunnel against URA to see the famous number 10 and 22 jerseys being selected in the starting XI.

The number 10 jersey was retired after Bucs legends such as Chippa Moloi and Jomo Sono donned the famous kit, and on Saturday it was Manyisa who was seen with this number on his back.

Erasmus was the man to resurrect the number 22 jersey, which was previously adorned by the late Lesley Manyathela.

It was since revealed by Pirates management that they were forced to place 30 players competing in the CAF Confederations Cup with shirt numbers between 1 and 30. Thus, explaining why Manyisa and Erasmus gave up their usual number 20 and 95 shirts respectively. 

While their performances on Saturday night may not have matched the great Sono and Manyathela, it was certainly lovely to see those two numbers back on the field. 

They will have the whole duration of their CAF Confederations Cup stay to make up for it, and live up to the pressure of those famous shirt numbers.

Ghosts, we have to honour these legends that gave so much to the shirt, but should the club consider bringing these numbers back outside of the CAF competitions?