SoccerClub writer Dylan Appolis picks out the best buys for DStv Premiership club’s in the 2023–24 season.
LYLE LAKAY
Transfer: Mamelodi Sundowns to SuperSport United
The 32-year-old re-joined boyhood club SuperSport United on a permanent basis after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract, with the option to extend his stay for another season, after he was deemed surplus to requirement at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The free-kick specialist reunited with head coach Gavin Hunt at Matsatsantsa and showed why he is one of the most respected left-backs in the league by adding value to SuperSport’s defensive and attacking departments.
The 2021/22 DStv Premiership Defender of the Season’s experience in the squad proved fruitful for the Tshwane side with his exquisite crosses and runs down the left flank while also chipping in with the odd goal and assist.
EDSON CASTILLO
Transfer: Monagas SC to Kaizer Chiefs
The Venezuelan international made the move to Kaizer Chiefs from Liga FUTVE Apertura side Monagas SC in July 2023 and quickly became a regular and a key player for the Soweto giants.
The 29-year-old has surely been one of the AmaKhosi’s best foreign players in recent years and had such an impact within the squad, which in turn earned him a call-up to the Venezuela national team for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Castillo has by far been Chiefs’ best signing of the season, having been solid in the midfield with his penetrating passes and game-changing tackles and demonstrating prowess with and without the ball.
The midfielder could potentially play a crucial role next season by attempting to help AmaKhosi get back to their glory days, but that is if they can keep a hold of him next season.
LUCAS RIBEIRO
Transfer: SK Beveren to Mamelodi Sundowns
The Brazilian joined Sundowns before the start of the campaign from Belgian outfit SK Beveren, where he was one of their standout performers in the Challenger Pro League, scoring 11 goals in 31 appearances for the Belgian second-tier side in the 2022/23 season.
Ribeiro needed no time to settle in and continued his form at Sundowns by hitting double figures in terms of goals and providing several assists in the process.
Although the 25-year-old has had a stellar debut season in the PSL, he has yet to reach his full potential at the club, but under the guidance of head coach Rulani Mokwena, he will surely take his game to new heights if they can retain his services next season.
BIENVENU EVA NGA
Transfer: Orlando Pirates to Chippa United
Bienvenu Eva Nga spent one-and-a- half seasons at Orlando Pirates before returning to Chippa United in January to become their first signing after the club’s transfer ban was lifted by FIFA.
The Cameroonian international had a difficult time at Pirates and only netted one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions, playing second fiddle to Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa.
The 31-year-old (above left) needed no time to settle in at the club, and although he has not found the back of the net as often as in his first stint, Eva Nga will play a big role in helping the Chilli Boys avoid relegation and remain in the top flight.
JAMIE WEBBER
Transfer: SuperSport United to Sekhukhune United
The 26-year-old left SuperSport United to join Sekhukhune United on a free transfer at the start of the campaign and he has been their shining light this season.
Despite struggling for form and consistency, Webber solidified his place in Babina Noko and became a regular starter, despite facing stiff competition for a place in the midfield from seasoned campaigners Kamohelo Mokotjo and Pogiso Mahlangu.
The midfield engine is one of the most hard-working players in the league in attack and defence, given his work rate on the pitch, having scored and assisted in a number of goals in his debut season for the club.
Webber has the potential to grow and develop his craft even further to become one of the top players for his club and the league.
PATRICK MASWANGANYI
Transfer: SuperSport United to Orlando Pirates
Patrick Maswanganyi parted ways with SuperSport United and made the big switch to Orlando Pirates as a free agent at the start of the season.
The Tembisa-born winger wasted no time in locking down his position in the Buccaneers’ starting line- up, showing his technique and vision to either take on defenders himself or create excellent passes to expose the opposition’s defence.
Maswanganyi has been a great asset to Pirates this season, having beaten out the likes of Monnapule Saleng, Deon Hotto, Katlego Otladisa and Relebohile Mofokeng for his role in the team. and his talent and creativity is second to none.
WAYDE JOOSTE
Transfer: Maritzburg United to AmaZulu
Wayde Jooste (left) has rediscovered his form since joining AmaZulu from Maritzburg United in August 2023.
The Gqeberha-born star has shown glimpses of the same form he found during his time at Golden Arrows, in which he scored six goals and assisted three in 64 appearances, cementing his place within the Usuthu starting XI.
Jooste has since made the right-back position his own under the guidance of Pablo Franco Martín, fending of competition from the likes of Thembela Sikhakhane, Mbongeni Gumede and Mondli Mbanjwa.
HIGOR VIDAL
Transfer: Persebaya Surabaya to TS Galaxy
Higor Vidal was a free agent when he linked up with TS Galaxy after he parted ways with Indonesian outfit Persebaya Surabaya.
The Brazilian settled in quickly at the club and announced himself as the playmaker and main assist provider for the Rockets this campaign.
If Vidal can produce some magic moments for Galaxy in midfield, he will play a vital role in helping the Rockets secure a top-eight spot in the top flight this season.
He has vision, skill and an eye for goal, bringing creativity to what is a sometimes limited Galaxy team.
