The top clubs in South Africa’s DStv Premiership are actively preparing for next season and it is the usual suspects who are shaking things up in the offseason transfer window. Below is a roundup of activity from the clubs who have been heavily involved in the early stages of the window.
After another disappointing campaign, Kaizer Chiefs are leading the way with an overhaul of their squad that includes several early signings including the impending arrival of former Young Africans coach Nasreddine Nabi. Botswana national team defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has joined the club from SuperSport United and Venezuelan international midfielder Edson Castillo will also arrive. Rumors continue to swirl around a potential acquisition of Marumo Gallants striker Ranga Chivaviro but it remains to be seen if the move will be made official.
Mamelodi Sundowns have found success with bringing in foreign talent from abroad and the reigning champions are bringing in another signing from South America with Brazilian striker Everton Moraes. Moraes joins another South American, Argentine playmaker Júnior Mendieta, who was acquired from fellow DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch after accumulating 14 goals and 13 assists in 72 league matches. Marumo Gallants attacker Lesiba Nku appears to be on his way to the club as well.
The exodus of Gallants players continues following the club’s relegation from the top tier. Attackers Katlego Otladisa and Letsie Koapeng are out to Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay respectively. Koapeng is joined at Richards Bay by midfielder Lucky Mohomi while Mohomi’s central partner, Celimpilo Ngema, will join AmaZulu. Veteran goalkeeper and defensive leader Washington Arubi will be with Sekhukhune United.
Arubi will be joined at Sekhukhune by talented young goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner who joins after breaking into the team at relegated Maritzburg United this past season. Among the departures in South African football moving abroad are Siyabonga Ngezana and Haashim Domingo. Former Sundowns attacking midfielder Domingo has joined Raja Casablanca in Morocco after the club hired former South Africa-based head coach Josef Zinnbauer. Ngezana has left Kaizer Chiefs for Romanian football where the central defender will play with FCSB (formerly known as Steaua București) after the Romanian runners-up paid €600,000.
