Kaizer Chiefs have revamped their playing squad, but have they had the best transfer window out of any PSL club? Orlando Pirates, SuperSport and even Sundowns might have something to say about that.
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GRADING THE PSL WINDOW, STARTING WITH KAIZER CHIEFS
KAIZER CHIEFS
The Glamour Boys have been on a spree. They’ve spruced up their attacking options by signing Pule Mmodi, Tebogo Potsane and Ranga Chivaviro. They’ve also added the creative midfield talents of Mduduzi Mdantsane from Cape Town City and schemer Edson Castillo, who arrives intriguingly from Venezuela.. Most notably, they’ve brought in two young central defenders Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Given Msimango. If the Glamour Boys can recruit Bafana Bafana midfielder Thabo Cele, we might change their grade to a B. The overall thinking here is that too much drastic change might not be immediately productive and 2023-24 might be too soon for a real title push.
Grade: B-
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SUPERSPORT BRING THEMSELVES INTO CONTENTION
Matsatsantsa can absolutely mount a title challenge. They’ve added, among others, Phathutshedzo Nange from Kaizer Chiefs, Siphesihle Ndlovu from Pirates and inventive Bafana midfielder Grant Margeman from Sundowns. They’ve also brought in strikers Etiosa Ighodaro, who excelled with Chippa last term, and Terrence Dzvukamanja from Pirates, a man who proved his match-winning capabilities in the Nedbank Cup. If they can seal a deal for Siyanda Xulu, as is widely expected, they could be in business. Gavin Hunt knows how to win at all costs.
Grade: A
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ORLANDO PIRATES BUILDING ON CUP SUCCESSES
Last season’s MTN8 and Nedbank Cup winners have added seven new faces as it stands. The Buccaneers have brought in highly-rated goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni, Katlego Otladisa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Sphamandla Gumede, Lesedi Kapinga and the super talented, flamboyant playmaker Karim Kimvuidi from Maritzburg United. Can they challenge for the title? They’ve certainly added a number of high-quality, young players so if it’s not next season, a proper title push will arrive soon. Otladisa, Maswanganyi and Kimvuidi especially bring a new layer of unpredictability that might take this squad to the next level under Jose Riveiro.
Grade: A+
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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Junior Mendieta adds craft and creativity after his move from Stellenbosch, while Lesiba Nku adds depth in wide midfield areas after his move from Marumo Gallants. Highly-coveted teenager Thapelo Maseko has opted to sign for the Brazilians despite offers from abroad. The Brazilians have also signed an actual Brazilian in the shape of Lucas Ribeiro Costa. If they sell Cassius Mailula to the MLS, can you say their squad is stronger or weaker than it was in May? Masandawana are still working on a deal for Bafana midfielder Bathusi Aubaas.
Grade: B+
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MTN8 ON THE HORIZON
Football-starved fanatics around the country don’t have long to wait until their next fix. As is traditional, the MTN8 quarterfinals will act as a precursor to the new DStv Premiership season when the bread and butter returns.
So, we’ve decided that Orlando Pirates have won the transfer window. Will they convert that into a concerted Dstv Premiership title push? We’ll only work that out in around about nine months.
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