From Khama Billiat joining Kaizer Chiefs to Mamelodi Sundowns capturing Andile Jali, DYLAN APPOLIS explores the best transfers ahead of the 2018-19 season.
Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs)
The Zimbabwean international joined Amakhosi on a free transfer after failing to agree to a new contract with Sundowns. The 27-year-old was expected to leave South Africa to join a club in Europe or Asia, but the attacker opted to join Chiefs on a three-year deal with an option of one further year.
Billiat was revealed as a marquee signing, alongside defender Lethlogonolo Mirwa, who joins the club from National First Division outfit Buya Msuthu and Madagascar striker Andriamirado Hasina Andrianarimanana.
He joined Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town in 2013 and enjoyed a successful stint at Masandawana, winning three league titles, the 2016 Caf Champions League trophy and Caf Super Cup prior to his departure.
Andile Jali (Free agent to Mamelodi Sundowns)
The 28-year-old joined Sundowns as a free agent after his contract at Belgian outfit KV Oostende was terminated in April by mutual consent.
There have been concerns surrounding his future, but the midfielder put the speculation to bed when he snubbed Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Chloorkop.
Jali will certainly add a wealth of experience to Sundowns’ midfield having previously played for AmaTuks, Pirates and KV Oostende, making 258 appearances in all competitions with 13 goals and 13 assists.
Kudakwashe Mahachi (Golden Arrows to Orlando Pirates)
Mahachi became one of the clubs marquee signings alongside eight other players including Brilliant Khuzwayo, Vincent Pule, Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo, Abel Mabaso and Paseka Mako, who also joined the club less than a month ago.
The 24-year-old winger spent three years at Golden Arrows, on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns before completing his move to the Soweto Giants, putting an end to years of speculation surrounding him joining Pirates.
The Zimbabwean international made 22 appearances in the Absa Premiership for Arrows during the 2017-18 campaign – netting four times in the process.
Daine Klate (Bidvest Wits to Chippa United)
The 33-year-old winger, who is one of the most decorated football players in the Premier Soccer League era, recently joined the Chilli Boys on a free transfer from former champions Bidvest Wits after the Clever Boys opted against renewing his contract.
The former Orlando Pirates winger was among 14 new signings unveiled by the Chilli Boys ahead of the 2018-19 PSL season, which kicks off on 3 August.
Other notable new arrivals at the Chilli Boys include Jabulani Shongwe, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Thabo Nthethe, Tebogo Makobela, Thatoyaone Kgamanyane and Kabelo Seakanyeng.
Klate has won 15 major trophies including six PSL titles during his illustrious career, having played for the likes of SuperSport United, Pirates and Wits.
Lyle Lakay (Cape Town City to Mamelodi Sundowns)
The 26-year-old completed the switch from Cape Town City to Sundowns after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal at Chloorkop.
Lakay, who emerged from the SuperSport United academy back in 2009, spent two seasons on loan at FC Cape Town before joining Bloemfontein Celtic in 2012 where he stayed for five years, scoring seven goals and assisting a further 13 from 109 appearances in all competitions.
The Cape Town-born winger was then lured to Cape Town City by Eric Tinkler in 2017, where he became a key figure during his two-year spell at the club in which he made 62 appearances in all competitions while scoring four goals and assisting eight before Sundowns came knocking.
He also helped the Citizens claim their first piece of silverware when they defeated SuperSport United to lift the Telkom Knockout Cup during the 2016-17 campaign.
Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
