Major League Cricket Teams Shuffle: Key Players on the Move
South African Premier Soccer League: Teams Shake Up Squads Ahead of New Season
As the 2025-26 South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) season approaches, several teams outside the traditional powerhouses of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns are making their moves in the transfer market.
Sekhukhune United have been particularly active, bringing in a host of new players to bolster their squad. Manuel Sapunga, Toaster Nsabata, Ronaldo Maarman, Sphiwe Mahlangu, Bradley Grobler, and midfielder Sipho Mbule, on loan from Sundowns, have all joined the team. Sekhukhune have also released Badra Ali Sangaré and Pogiso Mahlangu.
Stellenbosch FC have seen the departure of Ismaël Touré to UAE’s FC Banyias. To fill the gap in defense, they have signed Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs. Despite the departure of forward Thulani Mini, the club continues to promote talent from their reserves.
TS Galaxy have gained one of the most notable signings outside the big three clubs, Kamogelo Sebelebele. However, details of their other transfer activities are less prominent in recent updates.
Richards Bay, Marumo Gallants, Amazulu, Chippa United, and Baroka have seen players moving to other teams, such as Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba (to Pirates), but specifics for their own ins and outs in this window are limited.
Sekhukhune’s acquisition of high-profile talents like Sipho Mbule highlights their ambitions for the season. At 27 years old, Mbule, a high-performing attacking midfielder, has the potential to dominate the midfield if he improves his on-field performances.
Meanwhile, the traditional powerhouses are also making their moves. Kaizer Chiefs have been active in the transfer market, making decisive moves to strengthen their squad across all areas. They have made several new signings: Ethan Chislett (from Port Vale), Flávio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya), Nkanyiso Shinga (Portuguese side Alverca), Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane (both ex-Pirates), and Siphesihle Ndlovu (from SuperSport United). However, they have also released Siphesihle Ndlovu, a central midfielder who was one of the more adventurous last season.
Orlando Pirates have also been busy, signing several young players ahead of the new campaign: Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, and Sihle Nduli. Orlando Pirates have also acquired Sipho Mbule, a high-performing attacking midfielder, on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, neither Orlando Pirates nor Sundowns have announced any new first-team signings yet, but they plan to reinforce their squads in the future. Sundowns, in particular, are aiming for continental ambition and building a deeper, more balanced squad under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Kaizer Chiefs, too, are pursuing quality signings for the new campaign, with more discussions ongoing for potential additional imports.
In conclusion, besides the three dominant clubs, Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC appear to be the most active, with multiple strategic signings and releases shaping their squads for 2025-26. Other clubs’ transfer activities remain less detailed in available sources.
The European leagues might wonder about the activities of South African teams, as Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC are making significant moves in the transfer market, much like those occurring in football's premier leagues. For instance, Sekhukhune United have bolstered their squad with players such as Sipho Mbule, formerly of Premier League team Mamelodi Sundowns, signifying their ambitious plans for the upcoming season.
