From Andile Jali to Deon Hotto, TFGSoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS takes a look at the five best signings during the Premier Soccer League (PSL) summer transfer window.
1. Andile Jali (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The 28-year-old joined Sundowns as a free agent after his contract at Belgian outfit KV Oostende was terminated in April.
The midfielder put speculation to bed regarding his future when he snubbed Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and former team Orlando Pirates to sign a five-year deal at Chloorkop.
Jali will certainly add a wealth of experience to Sundowns’ midfield. The Bafana international previously played for AmaTuks, Pirates and KV Oostende, making 258 appearances in all competitions with 13 goals and 13 assists.
Having spent four years in Europe, Jali’s experiences will play a crucial role in helping Pitso Mosimane’s side domestically as well as on the African continent, having formed an influential part of the Pirates squad that reached the 2013 Caf Champions League final.
2. Mario Booysen (Kaizer Chiefs)
Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas captured the services of Booysen to reinforce their defensive line after conceding seven goals in their first five Absa Premiership games while only keeping one clean sheet.
The 30-year-old put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Chiefs after parting ways with Ajax Cape Town and now joins the likes of Khama Billiat, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Leonardo Castro who have played for both Amakhosi and Masandawana.
The Glamour Boys have one of the worst defensive records in the league so far this season after a difficult start to the 2018-19 Absa Premiership campaign. Chiefs are in desperate need of a leader who can marshal things their defence. Despite having the likes oDaniel Cardoso, Erick Mathoho, Teenage Hadebe and Siyabonga Ngezana on their books at present, coach Solinas will be calling on Booysen to do a similar job that former Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite did under Stuart Baxter’s title-winning Amakhosi side.
Booysen was ever-present for the Urban Warriors last season, and also has the experience of having played for top side having spent time playing for Sundowns as well as SuperSport United, where he played in the Caf Confederation Cup.
3. Deon Hotto (Bidvest Wits)
Hotto penned a two-year deal at Wits alongside Haashim Domingo, Bantu Mzwakali, Simon Murray, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Mxolisi Macuphu, Vuyo Mere, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Robyn Johannes, Brighton Mhlongo and Gift Motupa.
The 27-year-old has been an instant hit with the Clever Boys netting two goals and assisting a further three from the log-leaders’ opening five games.
The 2015 Cosafa Cup winner is expected to add a different dimension to the Students’ strike force, with his pace and ability to take on defenders.
The Namibian star will compete with the likes of Kamobelo Kodisang, Sifiso Myeni and Daylon Claasen for a place in the Wits midfield.
4. Brilliant Khuzwayo (Orlando Pirates)
The Buccaneers announced the signing of Khuzwayo as a free agent, with the keeper having opted against renewing his contract with Pirates’ Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.
An injury during pre-season with Pirates has hampered the shot-stopper from making his first competitive debut for Milutin Sredojevic’s side thus far.
However, with questions being asked over Pirates defensive form last season – where they conceded the most goals by any team in the top four, with an average of just under a goal per game, Khuzwayo could be the solution to their problem. His overall stats show that he only concedes once every second game on average.
Following Wayne Sandilands’ goalkeeping miss fortune during their opening game against Highlands Park, Khuwayo could have his opportunity of becoming the Soweto giants first-choice goalkeeper this season.
5. Thamsanqa Sangweni (Chippa United)
The 29-year-old parted ways with the Buccaneers after only one season with the Soweto giants, with the midfielder having now completed his return to the Chilli Boys.
Sangweni struggled for game time under coach Micho Sredojevic – having only made three appearances in the Absa Premiership last season. However, since his return top Chippa the defensive midfielder has already made four appearances in their first four games.
The defensive midfielder will be hoping to rediscover his form which saw him score four goals from 66 appearances in all competitions during his first stint with the Chilli Boys.
The KZN-born midfielder is no stranger to playing at the highest level, having previously played for Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu, Chippa and Pirates, where he racked up 145 appearances in all competitions while scoring 10 goals in the process.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
