PSL Transfer: Mamelodi Sundowns & Orlando Pirates transfers

Why Some Clubs Regularly Sell Players to Each Other

The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer market is currently open and has developed clear forms over the years. Some clubs have built strong solid working relationships that lead to regular player transfers, and others find it much harder to negotiate deals because they don’t have a nice working relationship.

One of the biggest talking points among supporters is why clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Chippa United appear to do business with one another more frequently, while Kaizer Chiefs often face greater challenges when trying to sign players from fellow PSL teams.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates Have Proven They Can Do Business

Despite being fierce rivals on the pitch, Sundowns and Pirates have completed several notable transfers over the years.

Both clubs usually operate with strong financial resources and maintain professional relationships at the executive level. In recent years we have seen big players from Pirates joining Sundowns. When a player is no longer central to one club’s plans but is viewed as a good fit by the other, negotiations can take place without personal rivalries becoming the main obstacle.

In modern football, business decisions often outweigh emotions, especially when clubs believe a transfer benefits both parties.

Orlando Pirates → Mamelodi Sundowns

• Thembinkosi Lorch (2024)
• Oupa Manyisa (2017)
• Monnapule Saleng (2026)
• Teko Modise (outside the 10-year window but one of the biggest direct transfers in PSL history)

Mamelodi Sundowns → Orlando Pirates

• Kermit Erasmus (2022)
• Wayne Sandilands (2017)
• Thamsanqa Sangweni (2017)

Chippa United and Stellenbosch Role in the Transfer Market

Chippa United and Stellenbosch FC have earned their reputation as two of the most active clubs in the PSL transfer market.

Both teams usually develop and recruit players before selling them to big clubs like Pirates, Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs. This approach has seen Chippa and Stellies generate transfer income while giving players opportunities to compete at the highest level.

These are the teams that have become a stepping stone for footballers who want to play for South Africa’s biggest clubs.

Why Kaizer Chiefs Often Face More Difficult Negotiations

Many South African football fans believe that rival clubs don’t want to sell their best player to Kaizer Chiefs. This is because in recent years players that were linked with Chiefs either end up playing for Sundowns or Pirates, and Amakhosi have signed players who don’t have clubs.

This is the strategy that Chiefs have been using to strengthen their squad. Despite many teams not willing to work with Chiefs, a club like Stellies has had a soft spot for the Glamour Boys, as some of their key players have joined the club in the last few years.

Players who joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch

• Ashley du Preez
• Zitha Kwinika
• Sibongiseni Mthethwa

Chippa United → Orlando Pirates

• Sipho Chaine
• Bienvenu Eva Nga
• Paseka Mako
• Abel Mabaso
• Linda Mntambo
• Azola Matrose
• Sinoxolo Kwayiba (2026)

Chippa United → Mamelodi Sundowns

• Zuko Mdunyelwa (2023)
• Craig Lucas (2018)

Every Transfer Depends on the Right Deal

Football transfers are business decisions that benefit both players and clubs. Clubs consider transfer fees, player contracts, squad needs, wages, and long-term planning before approving any move.

A good working relationship between club executives can also help negotiations, but every transfer remains unique depending on how the club values a certain players. Some teams, though, started to approach the player first to negotiate before they talked with the club, which is wrong when trying to sign the player.

The PSL transfer market always evolves each and every season, with clubs like Sundowns, Pirates, and Chiefs always competing to get the best players as they want to win every trophy available. With the 2026/27 PSL campaign about to start with teams rebuilding their squads, you can place a bet with Bet.co.za backing the team that you trust will win the league with the players that they have signed.

You can also take a bet on competitions like MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and other soccer markets that are available with Bet.co.za.