A Closer Look at the Latest Moves
The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been buzzing with activity as player transfers dominate the headlines. Each season, the transfer window brings excitement, speculation, and strategic moves as clubs vie to strengthen their squads and gain a competitive edge.
This year’s transfer season is no exception, with high-profile signings, surprising moves, and emerging talents making waves across the league. In this article, we delve into the most significant transfers, analyze their potential impact on the teams, and explore how these changes might shape the upcoming PSL season.
The biggest shock of the transfer window ahead of the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season is Mamelodi Sundowns parting ways with Rulani Mokwena. This unexpected move has sent ripples through the football community, leaving fans speculating about the implications for both the club and the coach. As one of the most influential figures in South African football, Mokwena’s departure marks a significant shift in the landscape of the DStv Premiership and Sundowns.
Downs confirmed in a statement that Mokwena had parted ways with the club, as a contract termination, the club confirmed on Wednesday. In the statement, the club stated that the decision to part ways was taken by the board taking into account the objectives and expectations of the club.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Masandawana have announced that they have parted ways with four players, namely Bongani Zungu, Thabiso Kutumela who was on loan at Cape Town City, Kenyan Defender Brian Mandela and Uruguayan Midfielder Gastón Sirino who leaves the club after seven seasons.
Orlando Pirates
The Buccaneers have announced seven exits ahead of the 2024/25 season. After six wonderful years, Vincent Pule is leaving Orlando Pirates Football after being with them since 2018 from Bidvest Wits.
Pirates confirmed that Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thabang Monare and Kermit Erasmus will be leaving the club as their respective contracts came to an end on the 30th of June 2024. Fortune Makaringe is also among the players who have left the club and will be joining Cape Town City and was unveiled by City on the 29th of June.
Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of Delvi Miguel Vieira who joins the Club on a three-year deal after spending two seasons with Angolan Girabola champions, Petro du Luanda. He is expected to join the Bucs on their pre-season tour in Spain from the 8th of July 2024.
Cape Town City
The Citizens have been active in this transfer window and have confirmed the departures of Thabiso Kutumela, Angolan foward Joe Paciencia, Relebogile Mokhuoane, Bongani Mpandle, and Khanya Leshabela. City have brought in Haashim Domingo, Kayden Francis who was at Chippa United and Fortune Makaringe from Orlando Pirates, Elson Ayanda Sithole from Magesi FC, Lefa Aphane, Sibusiso Ziba and Kamohelo Makotjo.
Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs are shaking things up with major changes, bidding farewell to some key players in their squad. Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe, S’fiso Hlanti and Njabulo Ngcobo have been released by Amakhosi as their contracts have ended. Adding to the transformation, Cavin Johnson is also stepping down from his roles as academy head and interim coach.
Rainer Dinkelacker, who was recalled at the beginning of the season to bolster the goalkeeping department, has departed as planned. Additionally, Colombian striker Efmamjjasond Gonzalez, who joined Chiefs on a one-season loan deal from Real Santa Cruz in Bolivia, has returned to his club.
The Club also mentioned in a statement that they will soon announce their new coach and his technical team.
Chippa United
The club has made a game-changing move by announcing the signing of Andile Jali, a transfer that promises to make a significant impact. This high-profile acquisition brings experience and skill to the squad, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Ahead of the new season, the Chilli Boys cleared the decks by releasing a slew of players, shaking up the squad dynamics. They have parted with 16 players – Luvuyo Memela, Roscoe Petersen, Loydt Kazapua, Azola Ntsabo, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Siphelele Luthuli, Darren Johnson, Menzi Ndwandwe, Andile Fakude, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Diego Apollis, Khanyisile Mayo, Siseko Manona, Yurig Conwood, and Andile Mbenyane. The club stated that the contracts of these players have come to an end.
Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates) and Gadinkame Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns) will also be returning to their respective clubs.
TS Galaxy
The Rockets have offloaded seven players, including seasoned veterans Bernard Parker and Vuyo Mere, as well as Lindokuhle Mbatha, who struggled for game time last season. Goalkeeper Vasilije Kolak and forward Lehlohonolo Mojela have also parted ways with the club, along with Brazilian midfielder Higor Vidal and winger Orebotse Mongae.
In a move to bolster their squad TS Galaxy has snapped up striker Victor Letsoalo from AmaZulu FC former Cape Town Spurs playmaker Siphesihle Maduna.
Richards Bay
The Natal Rich Boys are also on a quest to bolster their squad and have signed two promising talents from the KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League. Fezile Gcaba and Sbani Khumalo from Mkhumbane Classic who put on impressive performances in the Manqobe Mkhize Khabba Cup a few weeks ago.
Stellenbosch
Stellies have acquired the services of former Richards Bay right-winger Sanele Barns. Barns inked a pre-contract in January, and although news of his move to Stellenbosch had previously leaked, it wasn’t officially confirmed until Tuesday.
As the new season approaches, the flurry of signings and exits in the PSL highlights the dynamic nature of football in the DStv Premiership. With these changes, fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with new possibilities and thrilling matchups. The evolving rosters promise a captivating journey ahead as teams vie for glory on the pitch as we expect more updates from the clubs.
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