It was a relatively quiet Transfer Deadline Day in the DStv Premiership but there were some major moves as some teams took a final chance to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season.
More transfers that were concluded late last night could yet be revealed in the coming hours, but there were five major moves confirmed on the day.
ORLANDO PIRATES SIGN MAKHAULA
Orlando Pirates swooped for AmaZulu captain Makhehlene Makhaula as they looked to boost their midfield options. The 33-year-old had signed a pre-contract with The Buccaneers for next season but has been allowed to leave early by Usuthu. Perhaps they did not want a repeat of the protracted move of Siyethemba Sithebe to Kaizer Chiefs in the last campaign. Makhaula will provide competition for Miguel Timm in the defensive midfield position and ends two-and-a-half seasons at AmaZulu following his 2020 arrival from Highlands Park. He also played previously for Free State Stars and is closing in on 200 career appearances.
LEPASA ON LOAN TO SUPERSPORT UNITED
Orlando Pirates have sent striker Zakhele Lepasa on loan to SuperSport United for the rest of the season after he fell down the pecking order under coach Jose Riveiro. The 26-year-old adds to the options for Matsatsantsa coach Gavin Hunt, who had been desperate to add more firepower to his side. Bradley Grobler and Thamsanqa Gabuza are the other targetman options. The latter had been tipped to move on but it looks as though he will stay. Lepasa’s career to date has been blighted by injury and he will hope to finally get a run of games. Incredibly, the 26-year-old has made just 21 career league starts in five seasons after spells on loan at Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy, where he was a star in helping the second-tier side lift the Nedbank Cup in 2019, and Pirates.
RAYNERS RETURNS TO STELLENBOSCH
One player leaving SuperSport United is Iqraam Rayners, who will return to former side Stellenbosch FC to boost their forward line. Rayners was a revelation at Stellies in his first spell, having come through the ranks at Cape Town club Santos. Stellenbosch decided to cash in ahead of the 2020-21 season when SuperSport came knocking, but while the forward has seen a decent amount of game-time since, goals have been lacking. He netted five (two in the league) in 58 appearances in all competitions. He did chip in with quite a few assists. His place in the SuperSport side will likely be taken by new arrival Mamour Niang.
MAKOLA LEAVES CAPE TOWN CITY
It is a case of final destination unknown, but Mpho Makola has left Cape Town City as a free agent, which means he is able to sign for another club outside of the transfer window. The parting of ways was amicable according to the club, which suggests the player might already have a new team lined up. The 36-year-old spent three-and-a-half seasons at City that were not without controversy, having been twice banned for shoving match officials. Before that, he spent seven years at Orlando Pirates and also had a lengthy spell at Free State Stars. He made only two starts at City this season though and is seemingly going to try his luck elsewhere.
SAM ON LOAN AT SWALLOWS
Left-back Sam has been a man on the move this season having spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Maritzburg United, with that deal now cut short so he can sign for Swallows FC. The former Highlands Park and Bloemfontein Celtic fullback never quite cut it at Pirates but made nine starts in the first half of this season for Maritzburg. His switch is therefore a little bit of a surprise. Now in his seventh season of professional football, he only has 45 league starts to show for it and the 25-year-old will hope he can kick-start his career again in the Birds’ nest.