The Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer window officially opened shop yesterday, which will see rumours, speculations, incomings and outgoings swiftly materialise at clubs ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
The transfer window is regarded as the trickiest, yet the most crucial period for all 16 teams, as it sets the tone of their efforts to reinforce and bolster their squads for the long season ahead.
This week, more players returned to their respective clubs to prepare for their all-important pre-season camp, while others still have question marks and uncertainty surrounding their futures.
Let’s take a look at some of the activities at some of the clubs:
Orlando Pirates:
The MTN8 and Nedbank Cup reigning champions opened their transfer window in style by announcing four new signings on Tuesday.
TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, Marumo Gallants dribbling wizard Katlego Otladisa, Cape Town All Stars exciting prospect Siphelo Baloni, and SuperSport United’s Patrick Maswanganyi, have all joined the Buccaneers for the upcoming season.
Pirates have also confirmed the departures of Ntsako Makhubela, Craig Martin, Nkanyiso Zungu, Kopano Thuntsane and Ndumiso Mabena.
The Buccaneers are due for a tour in coach Jose Riveiro’s native country Spain, where they will kick-start their pre-season friendly with 23-times Isreali champions Maccabi Tel Aviv AC on July 13.
Kaizer Chiefs:
Amakhosi probably dropped the biggest bombshell of the week by appointing Molefi Ntseki as the new head coach, with Arthur Zwane being demoted to a joint assistant coach with Dillon Sheppard with immediate effect.
Chiefs have confirmed more outgoings than incomings, which saw midfielders Phathutshedzo Nange, Cole Alexander, and long-serving veteran defender Eric Mathoho all released by the Soweto giants, including the unexpected departure of tenacious defender Siyabonga Ngezana – who signed for Romanian Lige 1 powerhouse Steaua Bucaresti.
Amakhosi have only announced the signing of Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from SuperSport United, despite Given Msimango (TS Galaxy), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City) and Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows) all said have landed in Naturena.
Mamelodi Sundowns:
The DStv Premiership league holders have been moving quietly and patiently in the transfer market.
Sundowns are known for making a statement signing every season, with Stellenbosch FC star Junior Mendieta set to be their biggest addition to an already strong and star-studded Rulani Mokwena-led side.
Mokwena has already committed his future at the club by signing a four-year deal with the Brazilians.
Andile Jali and Hashim Domingo have already been confirmed to have left the club, with more players set for the exit door, including Surprise Ralani and Gift Motupa.
Sekhukhune United:
Sekhukhune have been busy in the market, signing talented midfielder Jamie Webber as a free agent from SuperSport United and relegated Maritzburg United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
Babina Noko have also roped in development players Thabo Nkwana and Vincent Mashego.
Despite the Nedbank Cup finalists set to embark on a CAF Confederations Cup journey, they are expected to trim their massive squad to a manageable number in the coming days.
Richards Bay:
The Natal Rich Boys were the surprise package last season, as they started their debut campaign in the top-flight like a house on fire.
However, things took a left turn in the second half of the season, going 15 games without a win and losing eight games on the trot.
Richards Bay have already added two new signings as part of their squad reinforcement, with striker Justice Figareido joining from All Stars FC and exiting prospect Thato Mohlamme from Uthongathi FC.
After sacking the entire coaching staff, the club is set to announce a new-look technical team tomorrow.
