Mamelodi Sundowns are keeping memories alive. At the same time, they are allowing iconic shirts to breathe again on the pitch. The result is a numbering system that doubles as a living memorial.
Adams honoured, number 8 retired
The story begins with heartbreak. Jayden Adams, aged 25, passed away in July 2026. His death shook the Yellow Nation deeply. On 8 August, Kickoff confirmed that Sundowns would retire his number 8 shirt for the full 2026/27 campaign. No player wears that jersey this season. It remains Adams’ number in spirit alone.
While number 8 sits frozen in tribute, other emotionally charged numbers have quietly returned to active use. After the tragic deaths of Anele Ngcongca and Motjeka Madisha in late 2020, their shirts disappeared from the squad list for a time. Ngcongca’s 16 and Madisha’s 2 were effectively set aside, even without a formal club announcement.
From silence to second life
The club eventually brought those numbers back into circulation. Aubrey Modiba first wore the number 16, previously Ngcongca’s shirt, before switching to 6. Youngster Letlhaku then inherited 16, before moving to 43 last season. Madisha’s number 2 reappeared in the 2024/25 campaign. Defender Malibongwe Khoza now carries it. The late Gift Leremi’s 12 is also back — worn over time by Emiliano Tade and George Maluleka.
For supporters, that shift carries meaning. Number 8 is locked for one season. But 2, 12 and 16 have each found new life on new shoulders. The club signals that honouring a player does not always mean permanent erasure.
What do rival clubs do with retired numbers?
Across Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs took a permanent stance. They officially retired number 26 following the death of Luke Fleurs in April 2024. Fleurs had not yet made his senior debut for the club, yet the shirt is gone for good. Chiefs have also retired Doctor Khumalo’s 15 and Howard Freese’s 20.
At Orlando Pirates, the tributes are equally permanent. Lesley Manyathela’s number 22 has been retired since his passing in 2003. Former captain Senzo Meyiwa’s number 1 remains off limits following his death in October 2014. Club legend Jomo Sono’s 10 is also locked away. Sundowns, by contrast, treat retirement as a spectrum — from seasonal pauses to full permanence.
What the numbers mean for the Yellow Nation
For Sundowns supporters, watching number 16 on the pitch still evokes Ngcongca. Seeing Khoza stride out in number 2 brings Madisha to mind. Every number 12 on a team sheet is a quiet nod to Leremi. These are not just digits. They are layers of club history pressed into fabric.
Retiring Adams’ 8 for one season keeps mourning visible and present. Letting other numbers return says the story does not end at loss. As the Betway Premiership advances through its opening rounds, investors in South African football culture — broadcasters, sponsors, kit manufacturers — should watch how clubs manage legacy identity. It is becoming a commercial and emotional differentiator in its own right.
Quick answers
Mamelodi Sundowns retired the number 8 shirt for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season in honour of Jayden Adams, who passed away in July 2026 at the age of 25.
Sundowns have brought numbers 2, 12 and 16 back into active use after periods of informal reservation following the deaths of Motjeka Madisha, Gift Leremi and Anele Ngcongca respectively.
Kaizer Chiefs permanently retired number 26 for Luke Fleurs and numbers 15 and 20 for Doctor Khumalo and Howard Freese. Orlando Pirates have permanently retired number 22 for Lesley Manyathela and number 1 for Senzo Meyiwa.
