Transfer window: How Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs shaped their squads

The Premier Soccer League transfer window closes at midnight on Monday, with Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs completing markedly different periods of recruitment and sales.

Reigning champions Orlando Pirates were the most active of the three, continuing to underline their strength in the transfer market with a series of significant arrivals.

The Buccaneers strengthened their squad with three players from Stellenbosch: Dublin Boon, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane. They also recruited from rivals Siwelele, bringing Aphiwe Baliti, Gamphani Lungu, Bohlale Ngwato and Neo Rapoo to the Amstel Orlando Arena.

Pirates were equally busy in terms of departures. Relebohile Mofokeng completed a high-profile move to Belgian club Union Saint Gilloise, while Patrick Maswanganyi joined Al Khaldiya in Bahrain.

Tshegofatso Mabasa moved to Moroccan side Maghreb Fes and Sipho Mbule signed for Iraqi club Zakho. There were also domestic transfers, with Deon van Rooyen joining Mamelodi Sundowns and Bandile Shandu and Seth Green both moving to Durban City.

Sundowns make relatively few changes

Mamelodi Sundowns had a quieter window than would normally be expected from the South African champions.

The Brazilians signed Deon van Rooyen from Pirates and brought in Thabo Cele from Kaizer Chiefs. Katlego Ntsabeleng made his move from FC Dallas permanent, while Cassius Mailula returned from Toronto FC.

Sundowns also added Antonio van Wyk from Austrian club SV Ried, but their most notable business came in the form of a major departure.

Striker Peter Shalulile left for Tanzanian giants Young Africans. Thapelo Maseko joined Danish side FC Copenhagen, while Thato Sibiya moved to French club Lille on loan.

Chiefs oversee squad overhaul

Kaizer Chiefs continue to operate with less influence in the transfer market than they enjoyed two decades ago, making a relatively modest number of additions during the current window.

Amakhosi signed Renaldo Leaner from Sekhukhune United, as well as Thabo Moloisane and Langelihle Phili from Stellenbosch. Adolf Mtasingwa arrived from Tanzanian club Azam.

The departures, however, point to a significant reshaping of the squad. Ashley du Preez, Given Msimango, George Matlou and Gopolong Taunyana all joined Stellenbosch.

Thabo Cele moved to champions Sundowns, while Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris signed for newly promoted Durban City. Aden McCarthy was the club’s other notable departure, securing a move abroad to Azerbaijani side Sabah.