With the 2024/25 PSL season officially wrapped up, clubs across South Africa have wasted no time in reshaping their squads for the upcoming campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh off another league triumph, are expected to once again invest significantly as they look to maintain their domestic supremacy and make a deeper run in continental competitions.
Their formidable squad is always a work in progress, and while they’ve started quietly, more moves are anticipated.
Read: Mike Makaab reveals Ethan Chislett turned down big offers to join Kaizer Chiefs
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are determined to build on their second-place league finish and impressive CAF Champions League semi-final appearance from last season. Their early activity in the transfer market suggests a clear intent to challenge Sundowns for top honours.
Perhaps the most anticipated activity comes from Kaizer Chiefs. After a deeply disappointing ninth-place finish in the PSL, Amakhosi are under immense pressure to rebuild. Their Nedbank Cup triumph, however, grants them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, underscoring the urgent need for significant reinforcements to compete on both fronts.
Club-by-Club as reported by SBN
Mamelodi Sundowns
IN: None.OUT: Sipho Mbule (released), Rivaldo Coetzee (released), Lucas Suarez (end of loan).
Analysis: Sundowns are offloading players who haven’t consistently featured or are at the end of their contracts. The release of Mbule and Coetzee, both talented but often injury-plagued players, suggests a strategic clearing of the decks, likely to make way for new, impactful signings in due course.
Orlando Pirates
IN: Sipho Mbule (free), Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka), and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch).
OUT: Innocent Maela (retired), Paseka Mako (released), Thabiso Monyane (released), Miguel Timm (released).
Analysis: Pirates have been the busiest club so far, making a statement of intent with a flurry of new arrivals. Notably, they’ve snapped up Sipho Mbule on a free transfer, a player with immense potential.
Their strategy seems to involve bringing in promising young talent from across the league to bolster various positions, signaling a proactive approach to their squad depth and quality as they prepare for a demanding season, including continental football. The departure of experienced players like Maela (retirement), Mako, Monyane, and Timm indicates a shift towards a younger core.
Kaizer Chiefs
IN: NONE. (Note: Recent reports suggest Chiefs have completed several deals, including Ethan Chislett and Portuguese defender Nkanyiso Shinga, with official announcements expected soon. They are also reportedly in advanced talks for Siphesihle Ndlovu and Flavio Silva.)
OUT: Ranga Chivaviro (released), Edmilson Dove (released), Sabele Radebe (released), Njabulo Blom (end of loan), Mduduzi Mdantsane (released).
Analysis: While the official “done deals” list shows no new arrivals for Chiefs yet, widespread reports indicate they are on the cusp of announcing several significant signings. This reflects their urgent need to revamp the squad after a dismal league campaign. The extensive list of departures, particularly key players like Mdantsane and Dove, underscores the magnitude of the rebuilding task at Naturena.
Stellenbosch FC
IN: Siviwe Nkwali (Cape Town Spurs), Muzomuhle Khanyi (Hungry Lions).
OUT: Sihle Nduli (released, to Orlando Pirates), Brian Onyango (released).
Analysis: Stellenbosch are making targeted additions to their squad, bringing in players from lower divisions, while managing exits.
Sekhukhune United
IN: Bradley Grobbler (Free Agent).
OUT: Sipho Mbule (end of loan).
Analysis: Sekhukhune’s transfer activity is minimal, primarily due to the tying down of several players.
TS Galaxy
IN: NONE.
OUT: NONE.
Analysis: A quiet window so far for TS Galaxy, indicating stability in their current squad or pending future announcements.
AmaZulu FC
IN: Junior Dion (Return from Gallants loan), Yanga Mjoli (Return from Gallants loan), Keegan Allan (Richards Bay), Keagile Malepe (Pretoria Callies).
OUT: Veli Mothwa, Sandile Khumalo, Boniface Haba, Msindisi Kunene, Augustine Mulenga, Ethan Brooks, Skhulile Manyoni, Wayde Jooste, Thembela Sikhakhane, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kwanda Mngonyama, Mbongeni Gumede, Abbubakar Mobara and Andile Mbanjwa.
Analysis: AmaZulu announced a significant squad overhaul, releasing 16 players before confirming a couple of astute signings to strengthen their squad.
Polokwane City
IN: NONE.
OUT: NONE.
Analysis: Another club maintaining their current roster for now.
Richards Bay
IN: Gabadinho Mhango (Free agent), Thabani Zuke (Free Agent).
OUT: Nkosikhona Ndaba (Orlando Pirates), Keegan Allan (AmaZulu), Yanela Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates)
Analysis: Richards Bay are making moves to replace outgoing talent, notably bringing in experienced forward Gabadinho Mhango on a free transfer, which could be a shrewd piece of business.
Marumo Gallants
IN: NONE.
OUT: Gabadinho Mhango (released), Daniel Akpeyi, Ibrahima Aminata Conde, Kenneth Nthathen, Siyabulela Shai, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Kopano Thuntsane, Vusi Sibiya, Junior Dion, Yanga Mjoli.
Analysis: Marumo Gallants are undergoing a significant squad overhaul, releasing a large number of players. This indicates a major restructuring effort for the club.
Golden Arrows
IN: Jerome Karelse (Mamelodi Sundowns), Yankho Singo (Big Bullets).
OUT: Ryan Moon (Released), Kagiso Malinga (Released), Sifiso Mlungwana (Released), Nkosi Gumede (Released), and Puleng Tlolane (Released).
Analysis: Golden Arrows are bringing in new faces while also releasing several players, suggesting a reshuffle within their ranks.
Magesi FC
IN: NONE.
OUT: Gift Motupa (released), Neverdie Makhubela (released), Deolin Mekoa (released), Rhulani Manzini (released), Amos Mokwena (released), Boikanyo Komane (released), Maboke Matlakala (released), Anathi Ngwadla (released), Given Mashikinya (released), and Menzi Ndwandwe (released).
Analysis: Magesi FC is undertaking a significant clear-out of their squad, with a large number of releases. This could signal a major rebuild as they prepare for the new season.
SuperSport United
IN: NONE.
OUT: Bradley Grobbler (released).
Analysis: SuperSport United have been quiet so far in the transfer window as the rumoured sale of the club takes center stage.
Durban City
IN: NONE.
OUT: NONE.
Analysis: No reported transfer activity for Durban City as of yet.
Orbit College
IN: NONE.
OUT: NONE.
Analysis: As a newly promoted side, Orbit College are yet to make any public moves in the transfer market, but additions are expected as they prepare for life in the top flight.