The transfer window is in full swing ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership that gets under way on Friday, and clubs have been adding to their squads in the hope of winning silverware in the coming campaign.
It has, generally, been a quiet window for most teams, with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates two of the most active to date.
SuperSport.com looks at the confirmed signings so far, as well as players who have returned from loan to potentially bolster the options for coaches.
AMAZULU
Confirmed signings: Jean-Noel Amonome (Uthongathi, back from loan), Rowan Human (Maritzburg United), Victor Letsoalo (Sekhukhune United), Mondli Mbanjwa (Uthongathi), Mfanafuthi Mkhize (Uthongathi), Tshepang Moremi (JDR Stars, back from loan), Celimpilo Ngema (Marumo Gallants)
Summary: Usuthu have added some attacking talent, which was a real issue for them last season, with Victor Letsoalo coming in from Sekhukhune United and playmaker Rowan Human from Maritzburg United. Celimpilo Ngema, who was at Marumo Gallants last season, is also an interesting addition.
CAPE TOWN CITY
Confirmed signings: Tshegofatso Nyama (TS Galaxy), Jo Paciencia (InterClube, Angola), Luyolo Slatsha (promoted), Ramazani Tshimanga (JS Groupe Bazano, DR Congo)
Summary: Few signings for City, but perhaps equally important for them is few outgoings. They tend to lose top players in almost every window and while Mdu Mdantsane has left for Kaizer Chiefs, they have managed to tie down last season’s Golden Boot joint winner Khanyisa Mayo to a new three-year contract. Jo Paciencia is an Angola centre-forward they hope cane solve their ‘No 9’ woes, while Ramazani Tshimanga is a centre-back in the mould of compatriot Nathan Fasika.
CAPE TOWN SPURS
Confirmed signings: Shaquille Abrahams (Chippa United), Keagan Buchanan (AmaZulu), Siyanda Msani (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Luvuyo Phewa (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates, loan), Dylan Stoffels (Pretoria Callies)
Summary: Spurs have been calling in favours in the loan market and have retained the services of attacking players Luvuyo Phewa and Boitumelo Radiopane for another season after they were part of the promotion push in the last campaign. Midfielder Keagan Buchanan returns to Cape Town, while they also have left wing-back Siyanda Msani on loan from Sundowns after he spent the last campaign at Richards Bay.
CHIPPA UNITED
Confirmed signings: Craig Martin (Orlando Pirates), Ronaldo Maarman (Orlando Pirates), Luvuyo Memela (Richards Bay), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates, loan), Augustine Mulenga (NAPSA Stars, Zambia), Menzi Ndwandwe (TS Galaxy), Kerwin Peters (All Stars), Aboubacar Bemba Sangare (JDR Stars, back from loan)
Summary: Quite a busy window for Chippa and some interesting signings – not least a chance for Goodman Mosele (on loan) and Craig Martin to reignite their careers after difficult spells at Orlando Pirates. Zambian striker Augustine Mulenga returns to the DStv Premiership having previously played at Pirates and AmaZulu.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Confirmed signings: Edson Castillo (Monagas, Venezuela), Ranga Chivaviro (Marumo Gallants), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (SuperSport United), Lebohang Lesako (Moroka Swallows, back from loan), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City), Pule Mmodi (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Given Msimango (TS Galaxy), Tebogo Potsane (Royal AM), Keletso Sifama (Casric Stars, back from loan)
Summary: A new coach and quite a new-look squad with seven new signings across the pitch, from central defence to midfield and a forward who they hope can be a regular scorer of goals, such an Achilles heel for the team last term. That is Ranga Chivaviro, who arrives from Marumo Gallants, where he netted 17 times in all competitions last season. The addition of Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo is also a very interesting buy. They are reportedly also keen to sign midfielder Thabo Cele.
LAMONTVILLE GOLDEN ARROWS
Confirmed signings: Bradley Cross (Maritzburg United), Tebogo Motloung (Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila), Olwethu Ncube (Hungry Lions), Lungelo Nguse (University of Pretoria), Angelo van Rooi (Hungry Lions), Ismail Watenga (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan)
Summary: Not too much change at Golden Arrows so far, they have looked mostly to the second-tier for new players and also brought in defender Bradley Cross from Maritzburg United. He looked decent last season despite the struggles of The Team of Choice, and could be an inspired signing.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Confirmed signings: Jody February (AmaZulu, back from loan), Lyle Lakay (Cape Town City, back from loan), Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, back from loan), Keletso Makgalwa (All Stars, back from loan), Thapelo Maseko (SuperSport United), Junior Mendieta (Stellenbosch), Promise Mkhuma (All Stars, back from loan), Lesiba Nku (Marumo Gallants), Lucas Ribeiro (Beveren, Belgium)
Summary: Do they need any more players, really? Perhaps the fact they will be fighting for trophies on six fronts this season means coach Rulani Mokwena wants a big squad so he can effectively rotate. As ever, each signing looks top class. Thapelo Maseko is the nee young golden boy of the DStv Premiership and arrives from SuperSport United, while Junior Mendieta has been immense for Stellenbosch FC in the last three seasons. Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro comes in from Berlgian side Beveren and has impressed in pre-season. Lesiba Nku was perhaps a bit of a left-field signing from Marumo Gallants. Sundowns are also reportedly in talks to sign Bathusi Aubaas from TS Galaxy. And they always get who they want …
MOROKA SWALLOWS
Confirmed signings: Victor Bakah (Uthongathi), Andile Jali (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lantshene Phalane (Royal AM), Keenan Phillips (SuperSport United), Tshanini Falakhe (Uthongathi), Dumisani Zuma (AmaZulu)
Summary: Steve Komphela has managed to secure a big signing in the form of Andile Jali, who sees the coach as a mentor and will add experience and guile to the Swallows midfield. Lantshene Phalane is also a grizzly old campaigner, while Dumisani Zuma will have yet another chance to resurrect his career. Can he take it this time?
ORLANDO PIRATES
Confirmed signings: Siphelo Baloni (All Stars), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy), Sphamandla Gumede (Dondol Stars), Lesedi Kapinga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Karim Kimvuidi (Maritzburg United), Zakhele Lepasa (SuperSport United, back from loan), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Sekhukhune United, back from loan), Azola Matrose (Chippa United, back from loan), Cebo Mchunu (Bizana Pondo Chiefs), Katlego Otladisa (Marumo Gallants), Patrick Maswanganyi (SuperSport United), Kwame Peprah (Maritzburg United, back from loan), Bongani Sam (Moroka Swallows, back from loan), Shane Saralina (La Masia, back from loan), Thabiso Sesane (All Stars, back from loan), Tebogo Tlolane (Maritzburg United, back from loan)
Summary: Pirates have brought in eight new players, but also have several more coming back from loan spells last season, including forwards Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa, though the latter is almost certain to leave again. Playmaker Lesedi Kapinga comes in after being released by Sundowns, while Karim Kimvuidi is an interesting capture from Maritzburg. Patrick Maswanganyi arrived from SuperSport United and Melusi Buthelezi adds to what is now healthy competition in the goalkeeping department. Pirates too perhaps need a bloated squad with CAF Champions League football this season and the addition of the Carling Knockout Cup locally.
POLOKWANE CITY
Confirmed signings: Oswin Appollis (Pretoria Callies), Francious Baloyi (Dondol Stars), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Pretoria Callies), Kgotsofalo Mabu (Dondol Stars), Given Mashikinya (Sekhukhune United), Tlou Nkwe (Pretoria Callies), Nyakala Raphadu (Pretoria Callies), Luciano Van Heerden (Baroka FC)
Summary: Not too many big-name arrivals for promoted Polokwane City, with experienced midfielder Given Mashikinya and young playmaker Oswin Appollis perhaps the most notable. They have also signed a pair of top performers from Dondol Stars brilliant run to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals this year in the form of Kgotsofalo Mabu and Francious Baloyi. Do they have enough experience in their ranks though?
RICHARDS BAY
Confirmed signings: Austin Dube (Kaizer Chiefs), Justice Figuareido (All Stars), Letsie Koapeng (Marumo Gallants), Boikanyo Komane (All Stars), Nkululeko Miya (Umsinga United), Sinethemba Mngomezulu (Stellenbosch), Thato Mohlamme (Uthongathi), Lucky Mohomi (Marumo Gallants), Thobani Mthembu (Umsinga United), Nkanyiso Ndlovu (Umsinga United)
Summary: After a traumatic second half of the season when the side slipped from second in the league to almost being relegated, they possibly need a fresh start under new coach Kaitano Tembo. Defender Austin Dube returns to the club from Kaizer Chiefs, and seasoned midfielder Lucky Mohomi is also on board, along with striker Sinethemba Mngomezulu from Stellenbosch FC. The fact they only scored 20 goals last season is the major reason why they battled.
ROYAL AM
Confirmed signings: None
Summary: The club are currently under a transfer ban by Fifa for failing to pay former player Samir Nurkovic, so have been unable to register any new players as of yet.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Confirmed signings: Renaldo Leaner (Maritzburg United), Kgothatso Mariba* (Venda FC), Vincent Mashego (promoted), Siphesihle Mkhize (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Mnyembane (Dondol Stars), Thabo Nkwana (promoted), Mbhazima Rikhotso (Royal AM), Matimu Tshabalala* (Black Leopards), Tiklas Thutlwa (Black Leopards), Jamie Webber (SuperSport United)
*Sent on loan to Venda FC
Summary: Sekhukhune have made some modest signings, with perhaps Tiklas Thutlwa from Black Leopards the most interesting, as coach Brandon Truter sticks with the core group of players who performed so well last season. They made huge changes at the start of 2022/23, so this is more about tinkering with the team.
STELLENBOSCH FC
Confirmed signings: Liam de Kock (La Masia, back from loan), Oscarine Masuluke (Baroka FC), Thabo Moloisane (Maritzburg United), Basil Mphahlele (Baroka FC), Genino Palace (Maritzburg United), Olivier Traore (Marumo Gallants)
Summary: The story around Stellenbosch is more the outgoings, having lost Junior Mendieta, Olwethu Makhanya and Ibraheem Jabaar, three key players from last season. They will not be easily replaced. They have mostly bolstered the backline so far, so you wonder where the goals are going to come from. They will have to hope Iqraam Rayners is in red-hot form again. There are reports they will sign Chiefs winger Kgaogelo Sekgota.
SUPERSPORT UNITED
Confirmed signings: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Shandre Campbell (promoted), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Abdulrazack Hamza (Namungo FC, Tanzania), Etiosa Ighodaro (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Grant Margeman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jabu Matsio (promoted), Phathutshedzo Nange (Kaizer Chiefs), Siphesihle Ndlovu (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (promoted), Ronaldo Pfumbidzai (Chippa United), Samukelo Xulu (promoted), Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovuz, Azerbaijan)
Summary: Some big changes at SuperSport as coach Gavin Hunt looks to build on last season’s third place, and you have to say that on the face of it they look to have done well. Signing midfielders Siphesihle Ndlovu and Grant Margeman to permanent deals after their loans last season was important, while the attack has been bolstered by the arrival of Terrence Dzvukamanja and Etiosa Ighodaro, two form players from last term. Hunt has also promoted several youngsters, including forward Shandre Campbell
TS GALAXY
Confirmed signings: Latif Bamba (Sagrada Esperanca, Angola), Thamsanqa Gabuza (SuperSport United), Samkelo Kabini (Orlando Pirates), Thato Khiba (Marumo Gallants), Solomon Letsoenyo (Stellenbosch FC), Lehlogonolo Mojela (Casric Stars), Mpho Mvelase (Marumo Gallants), Fiacre Ntwari (AS Kigali, Rwanda), Thabang Rakwena (Casric Stars), Thabang Semache (Casric Stars), Higor Vidal (Persebaya Surabaya, Indonesia)
Summary: Galaxy look set to lose midfield lynchpin Aubaas, which will be a blow, while striker Olivier Toure has also been linked with a move to Turkey. They have brought in veteran forward Thamsanqa Gabuza in a desperate hunt for goals, while Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari some in to replace Buthelezi after his move to Pirates. Brazilian playmaker Higor Vidal had been playing in Indonesia, but now gets a chance to make his name in South Africa.
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