PSL TRANSFERS: Big Three making moves

From big-name arrivals to strategic depth signings, the off-season has been busy, and it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting campaigns yet. We look at some of the movements (both incoming and outgoing) that Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns have made.

Orlando Pirates add depth

The Bucs have positioned themselves as the form club of the window. Their headline acquisition was Sipho Mbule – a high-risk, high-reward midfielder who joined on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns. It will be interesting to see how he adapts, and at 27 years of age, Mbule has the talent to dominate the middle if he refocuses his on-field performances.

Mbule’s attacking midfielder radar shows he is one of the best attacking midfielders in many metrics relevant to that position. Not only can he create regularly for his teammates, but he also has a shooting threat that is in the upper percentiles, and he is pretty good with his passing.

Other movements

• Oswin Appollis & Kamogelo Sebelebele add depth across midfield and width along the channels, given the departures of Monnapule Saleng & Mohau Nkota.
• The Buccaneers also inked several promising names to their books ahead of the new campaign: Yanela Mbuthuma (23), Masindi Nemtajela (23), Tshepang Moremi (24), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (25), Tshepo Mashiloane (23), Nkosikhona Ndaba (22) and Sihle Nduli (29), reshaping their core squad.

This flurry of signings not only signals continental ambition but also suggests coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is building a deeper, more balanced squad.

Kaizer Chiefs chase quality

Kaizer Chiefs have made decisive moves to strengthen their squad across all areas. Fans of the club got to watch some of their new players during the recent pre-season tour of the Netherlands. A key late signing they made is Siphesihle Ndlovu, who joined from sold SuperSport United. Ndlovu was one of the more adventurous central midfielders last season, in the upper percentiles for final third entries and touches in the opposition box. He was a high-volume fouler, something which can signal poor discipline, but they can just as easily be role-driven.

Other movements

• Ethan Chislett (from Port Vale), Flávio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya), Nkanyiso Shinga (Portuguese side Alverca), Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane (both ex‑Pirates), and Siphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United.
• Mduduzi Mdantsane and Edmilson Dove free up spaces for fresh talent. There are more discussions ongoing, and the club hasn’t ruled out additional imports before the window closes.

Sundowns keep their powder dry

Despite the cash cow that was the FIFA World Cup, no new first-team signings have been announced. Having said that, the club will want to go one further and win the CAF Champions League at the end of 2025/26, and with that, reinforcements will be on their way.

However, a handful of departures have been announced recently, with Sipho Mbule, Rivaldo Coetzee, Lucas Suárez, Lebohang Maboe, and others having left the club. Next week, we’ll focus on other teams.