PSL Transfer News: What Do Chiefs, Pirates And Sundowns New Signings Bring?

Mamelodi Sundowns’ seven-year grip on the PSL title will be tested again soon, with Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates among the main candidates to challenge for the league. For all these teams, it’s important to get the transfer window right and build on any other off-field advantages like coaching continuity. At the moment, all the teams are in Europe on pre-season tours, but they have been busy with transfers. We look at the stats behind a few of the new signings and consider the potential contributions they could bring to their teams.

Sundowns

Kegan Johannes

Sundowns have moved strategically going for some youthful players to help refresh their aging talent belt. The 22-year-old right-back who can also play centrally moved from SuperSport United, with 16 league appearances (mostly in the first half of the season), before injury.

His touch map above shows the area of the field he was most used last season. Sundowns fans will immediately note that these are the areas Khuliso Mudau & Thapelo Morena occupy, so this signing hints at long-term planning to replace them. Or, is there a looming exit?

Kobamelo Kodisang

Sundowns have also brought former Wits & Platinum Stars player Kodisang from Portuguese outfit Moreirense. Also coming into his prime years at 25 years old, the winger featured in 31 matches, starting 19.

He generated 3.5 xG and 2.5xA (expected assists), and a similar output could easily yield 10 goal involvements for his new side. His radar shows how highly he ranked in interceptions, while he was also above average in aerials, clearances, and take-ons.

Orlando Pirates

Gilberto

Orlando Pirates are also on a mission to refresh their side agewise. With Lorch departing in January and Vincent Pule in July, Pirates have gone for younger replacements. Gilberto will be come the first Angolan national to play for Pirates, and looks to be a utility option, usable on either wing and upfront. The early pre-season goal will give him confidence, and the Bucs hierachy will be hoping he repeats his double-digit goal contributions from last season.

Selaelo Rasebotja

Pirates have also taken 23-year-old Selaelo Rasebotja at SuperSport. He had a challenging 2023/24 season with only 2 starts out of 9 league appearances. This limited exposure means Rasebotja will need to work hard to secure more game time. Moreso, as he moves to a team with a more competitive roster.

Kaizer Chiefs

Bongani Sam

Kaizer Chiefs’ new coaching regime seems to be taking a ground-up approach in rebuilding their squad, with defensive reinforcements at the forefront so far. Yet to be confirmed by the club, Sam would be the first player to join one Soweto rival directly from another since brilliant Khuzwayo went the other way in 2018/19.

His radar shows a player who wins a lot of aerial duels and ranks highly for crosses. Sam may be seen as a direct replacement for S’fiso Hlanti, who was often used as a left-attacking outlet.

Rushwin Dortley

Another defensive addition for Chiefs is Rushwin Dortley whose exit was confirmed by Cape Town Spurs. The defender had a solid 2023/24 campaign, and despite Spurs having struggled, he played a majority of the games (22 starts from 26 appearances). His one assist at the beginning of the season vs Swallows was his only goal-scoring contribution. His consistent playing time and defensive reliability underscore the value he brings to Chiefs as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish.