Kaizer Chiefs face key decision over iconic number 10 shirt

With Kaizer Chiefs’ famous number 10 shirt vacant, attention has turned to the players who have carried the responsibility at the club over the past two decades – and whether new signing Langelihle Phili should be the next to wear it.

The number 10 is traditionally reserved for a team’s most gifted and influential players, particularly at major clubs. Its significance in South African football is underlined by the fact that Orlando Pirates retired the shirt in honour of former midfielder Jomo Sono.

At Chiefs, however, wearing the number has not always guaranteed success.

The shirt was most recently held by Gaston Sirino, who joined Amakhosi after his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns expired. His arrival in July 2024 generated considerable excitement, but the Uruguayan midfielder did not fully meet expectations.

Sirino inherited the number from Keagan Dolly, the high-profile signing who arrived from French club Montpellier in July 2021. Dolly’s reputation and standing reportedly made him the highest-paid player at Chiefs before he left the Soweto club three years later.

Dolly had raised expectations surrounding the number 10 shirt after Siphelele Ntshangase struggled to make an impact in it. Ntshangase joined Chiefs from Black Leopards and wore the number from January 2018 until March 2021, spending much of that period on the bench or in the stands.

Before him, Keagan Buchanan also found the shirt difficult to carry during his two-year spell at the Naturena-based club. He had signed from Bloemfontein Celtic in July 2016.

Earlier holders also struggled

Siyabonga Nkosi was a well-established Chiefs legend when he returned for a second spell in July 2012. His status at the club was reflected in the decision to give him the prestigious number 10 shirt.

Nkosi had already worn the number during his first spell at Chiefs, which began in 2006. He left for German club Arminia Bielefeld the following year.

There was similar excitement when Mthokozisi Yende was handed the shirt after joining Chiefs from University of Pretoria in July 2009. Despite the anticipation surrounding his arrival, Yende was unable to fulfil expectations.

His experience followed a similar pattern to that of Michael Nkambule, who had also worn the number 10 shirt before him.

The latest debate at Chiefs centres on Phili, who wore number 11 during his time at Stellenbosch. The club must now decide whether to place the iconic shirt on the shoulders of the new signing or leave it available for another player.

The history of the number at Chiefs contains a mixture of established stars, promising signings and players who were unable to make the desired impact. That record means the decision over its next owner will carry significance beyond the number printed on the back of the jersey.