Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane has revealed the emotional and tragic story behind his jersey number 3 at the club.
The jersey number 3 is commonly worn by defenders across the world and it's rare for attackers to have that number, with the likes of Gerard Pique, Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Dias and Presnel Kimpembe some of the most famous defenders to make the number acceptable.
In Africa, Ghana's all-time leading goal-scorer Asamoah Gyan made the number 3 shirt famous for the Black Stars given his scoring exploits, although it is not yet fashionable to wear the jersey on the continent as an attacker.
Despite former Orlando Pirates forward, currently with Mamelodi Sundowns, Thembinkosi Lorch inspiring a new generation of footballers, having starred for the Buccaneers with the number 3 shirt, the number has not really been embraced by the up and coming young attackers who regard 'Nyoso' as their idol.
After being signed by Chiefs at the beginning of the season from Cape Town City, it was surprising to see Mdantsane being unveiled with the number three shirt on his back, especially given his role as a playmaker.
READ: Ex-Amakhosi coaches show interest in Chiefs vacancy
The former City midfielder has revealed the emotional reason why he went for the number three shirt after he was signed by Amakhosi.
"People are always asking me why you took number 3, and I was like, 'No man, three is special for me," Mdantsane revealed on the latest episode of KCTV which aired on SuperSport TV.
"Firstly, it's my third professional team and secondly, number three represents three people that I have lost.
"My mom, my grandmother and my grandfather, those three were people very special to me," he said.
Mdantsane came through the Amakhosi youth ranks with the surname of his mother Mbonani before he changed it while doing matric to his current father's surname.
The 29-year-old could not get a breakthrough in the Glamour Boys' senior team and was given his break in the professional ranks by Baroka in 2017 before he was signed by the Citizens two years later.
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