As the PSL official transfer window closes, South Africa’s traditional “Big Three” clubs took vastly different strategies to reinforce their squads.
Orlando Pirates underwent a comprehensive squad overhaul, bringing in 11 new players while overseeing 22 departures. Mamelodi Sundowns prioritized tactical quality over sheer quantity, completing eight major additions while releasing key figures.
Kaizer Chiefs held back most of their recruitment activity until the arrival of new head coach Fernando da Cruz, ultimately signing five new players and sanctioning 15 outgoings to trim fringe squad members and send young academy products out for first-team development.
Orlando Pirates
The reigning PSL champions were by far the most active team in the market, making sweeping changes to both their core setup and squad depth. The Buccaneers brought in 11 new additions, securing local talent Bekhi Mbuza from Marumo Gallants, Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch FC, Sbangani Zulu from Richards Bay and Matome Mmolai from Leicesterford City.
The Sea Robbers also made a major splash in the market by raiding Siwelele FC for a four-player haul consisting of Bohale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, and Aphiwe Baliti. Internationally and lower-tier recruitment added European depth in Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen from Sogndal Fotball, former Buccaneer Mohau Nkota on loan from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq, and Bulelani Sigomoshe from Milford FC.
To balance these arrivals, Pirates cleared out 22 players via high-profile sales, loans and releases. The 2025/26 PSL footballer of the season Relebohile Mofokeng completed a move to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while Patrick Maswanganyi signed for Alkhaldiya Sports Club in Bahrain.
Thabiso Lebitso moved to Stellenbosch FC, while Sekhukhune United picked up Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi permanently alongside Tshepho Mashiloane on loan.
Additional departures to local sides included Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja to Siwelele FC, Sonwabo Khumalo and Blessing Ngiba to Midlands, Seth Green to Durban City, Neo Mokoena to AmaZulu, Goodman Mosele to Chippa United, and both Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko to Marumo Gallants.
Furthermore, Pirates trimmed their wage bill by releasing Gilberto, Karim Kimvuidi, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Melusi Buthelezi, and Deano van Rooyen.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns took a calculated approach to the window, balancing elite domestic signings with European talent to maintain their pursuit of local dominance and continental success.
The Brazilians made eight additions, signing local talents Wandile Dube from AmaZulu FC, Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows, Thabang Matuludi, and welcoming back goalkeeper Ricardo Goss from his loan spell.
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They also completed deals for international and returning stars, including Antonio van Wyk from Austria’s SV Ried, along with Cassius Mailula, Deano van Rooyen, and Thabo Cele.
On the outgoing side, Sundowns sanctioning seven primary roster changes while honoring the memory of the late Jayden Adams. European clubs made moves for Sundowns’ young talent, with Thapelo Maseko heading to FC Copenhagen in Denmark and Thato Sibiya sealing a transfer to Lille in France.
Terrence Mashego joined Stellenbosch FC on loan, while Jody February departed for Siwelele FC. The club also parted ways with several long-serving names, releasing veteran forward Peter Shalulile and midfielder Miguel Reisinho, alongside a mutual contract termination for Kobamelo Kodisang.
Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs delayed major moves until head coach Fernando da Cruz officially took charge, resulting in a streamlined transfer window focused on targeted defensive and midfield additions.
Amakhosi brought in five new players, heavily raiding Stellenbosch FC for defender Thabo Moloisane, midfielder Langelihle Phili, and acquiring Faiz Abrahams on loan. They rounded out their incoming transfer activity by signing goalkeeper Renaldo
Leaner alongside Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC.
The Pfeni Glamor Boys made a massive space in their roster by overseeing 15 departures, heavily shifting out-of-contract players and placing academy prospects in loan setups.
Young defender Aden McCarthy made an overseas move to Sabah FC in Azerbaijan, while Stellenbosch FC snapped up three former Chiefs players in Given Msimango, Ashley Du Preez, and Gopolang Taunyana. Tashreeq Morris joined Durban City, while lower-league transfers saw Ofentse Kgosana and Vicky Mkhawana move to Real Natives, Sfiso Timba join Gomora FC, and both Naledi Hlongwane and Pheko Phago head to Hope FC.
Additionally, academy graduates Samkelo Zwane as well as Bontle Molefe penned a season long loan deal at Hope FC. Finally, the club released senior players George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, and Gaston Sirino.