Mamelodi Sundowns bring fallen heroes’ shirt numbers back into use

Mamelodi Sundowns have returned several shirt numbers associated with former players who died, despite previously keeping them out of circulation as a mark of respect.

The club’s decision to retire the number eight shirt for the 2026/27 season in memory of late midfielder Jayden Adams has renewed attention on the numbers that have been set aside by Sundowns and other South African clubs following the deaths of former players.

Sundowns did not formally announce the retirement of the number 16 and number two shirts after losing Anele Ngcongca and Motjeka Madisha in the latter part of 2020.

However, both numbers were largely absent from the squad in the periods that followed, suggesting the club had reserved them in recognition of the two former players.

The number 16 shirt, previously worn by Ngcongca, was given to Aubrey Modiba the following season. Modiba later changed to number six, while Letlhaku also wore the number before moving to number 43 last season.

Sundowns subsequently made the number two shirt available again in the 2024/25 campaign. The number had been worn by Madisha and was assigned to Malibongwe Khoza, who also used it last season.

Another number linked to a former Sundowns player to return was number 12. It had been worn by the late Gift Leremi, but was later used by players including Emiliano Tade and George Maluleka.

The club’s handling of the numbers contrasts with the approach taken by Kaizer Chiefs after the death of Luke Fleurs in April 2024.

Chiefs officially retired the number 26 shirt worn by Fleurs, even though the defender had not made his debut for the club.

Several other prominent South African players have also had their shirt numbers retired after their deaths.

Lesley Manyathela wore number 22 at Orlando Pirates before his death in 2003. Former goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa’s number one shirt was retired in October 2014.

Clifford Moleko’s number 13 was also retired after he died in a car accident in 1998 while on loan at Seven Stars from Pirates.

There are also permanently withdrawn numbers that honour club legends rather than players who died.

Orlando Pirates have retired the number 10 shirt associated with Jomo Sono. At Chiefs, Doctor Khumalo’s number 15 and Howard Freese’s number 20 are officially no longer in use.

Sundowns’ retirement of Adams’ number eight for the 2026/27 season therefore adds a new chapter to the club’s treatment of significant shirt numbers. While some numbers connected with fallen heroes have eventually returned to the squad, others remain officially unavailable as a lasting tribute.