The transfer window is in full swing and as the start of the season draws nearer, clubs are starting to make their moves.
Here is a round-up of the confirmed moves so far, not including players returning from loan. Where players have no team name next to them that means they are a free agent.
AMAZULU
Summary: Usuthu were able to confirm two more signings this week, Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns and experienced centre-back Kwanda Mngonyama, who was last with Moroka Swallows and joins his seventh Premiership team, having also played for Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City.
IN: Boniface Haba (OC Safi, Morocco), Etiosa Ighodaro (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Kwanda Mngonyama (Moroka Swallows), Sifiso Ngobeni (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan)
OUT: Augustine Chidi Kwem, Victor Letsoalo (TS Galaxy), George Maluleke, Veluyeke Zulu (Marumo Gallants)
CAPE TOWN CITY
Summary: City have been among the most active teams in the transfer market with nine new arrivals, and counting, as coach Eric Tinkler looks to overhaul his squad following a disappointing second half of the season. They have brought in some exciting creative players and also beefed up the defensive midfield positions. They still look a ‘No 9 striker’ short though and look set to lose talisman Khanyisa Mayo, severely blunting their attack.
IN: Lefa Aphane (Tzaneen United), Carlinhos (Petro Atletico, Angola), Hasheem Domingo (Raja Casablanca, Morocco), Kayden Francis (Chippa United), Sibusiso Ziba (JDR Stars), Fortune Makaringe (Orlando Pirates), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Sekhukhune United), Elson Sithole (Magesi), Prince Tjiueza (Liria Prizren, Kosovo)
OUT: Brice Ambina (Valerenga, Norway), Jo Paciencia, Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan return), Khanya Leshabela, Relebogile Mokhuoane (Sekhukhune United), Bongani Mpandle (Magesi FC)
CHIPPA UNITED
Summary: It is also all-change at Chippa, which is not unusual, they usually have a massive turnover of players ahead of every campaign. They have also confirmed that Kwanele Kopo will be head coach this season with his former co-coach Thabo September now assistant.
IN: Thobani Jacobs, Andile Jali, Samkelo Jali (Maritzburg United), Boy Madigwane, Sifiso Mazibuko (Jomo Cosmos), Seun Ndlovu (Kruger United), Giovanni Philander (FN Rangers), Xolani Sithole (Pretoria Callies), Aphelele Teto (Livingston, Scotland)
OUT: Diego Apollis, Yurig Conwood, Andile Fakude, Kayden Francis (Cape Town City), Loydt Kazapua (Sekhukhune United), Siphelele Luthuli, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Siseko Manona, Khanyisile Mayo, Andile Mbenyane, Luvuyo Memela, Gadinkame Modise, Goodman Mosele, Menzi Ndwandwe (Magesi FC), Siyabonga Nhlapo, Senzo Nkwanyana, Roscoe Pietersen, Brooklyn Poggenpoel (SuperSport United)
KAIZER CHIEFS
Summary: No further movement at Chiefs after they won the race to sign highly-rated 22-year-old defender Rushwin Dortley. As they vacillate on a new contract for goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, they have also brought in gloveman Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy. Left-back Bongani Sam, formerly of Orlando Pirates, has joined too but looks to have injured himself in pre-season. New coach Nasreddine Nabi is still assessing the players he has and thinking of new arrivals. The club remains heavily linked with former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Gaston Sirino.
IN: Rushwin Dortley (Cape Town Spurs), Fiacre Ntwari (TS Galaxy), Bongani Sam (Orlando Pirates)
OUT: Keegan Dolly, Jasond Gonzalez, Sifiso Hlanti, Njabulo Ngcobo (Sekhukhune United), Siyethemba Sithebe (Richards Bay)
LAMONTVILLE GOLDEN ARROWS
Summary: Golden Arrows have moved up to secure the goalkeeper and defensive positions, which was their major worry last season. They have also brought in winger Menzi Masuku from provincial rivals Royal AM. We don’t know who will be head coach for the new campaign after Steve Komphela returned to Mamelodi Sundowns, and assistant coach Mabhuti Khenyeza, who was replaced by Komphela last season, back in temporary charge.
IN: Bongani Cele (JDR Stars), Edward Maova (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Menzi Masuku (Royal AM), Lwanda Mbanjwa (Moroka Swallows), Keenan Phillips (Moroka Swallows), Ismail Watenga (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan)
OUT: Olufemi Kayode, Thubelihle Magubane, Teboho Motloung, Siyavuya Ndlovu
MAGESI
Summary: Newly-promoted Magezi have continued to overhaul their squad with several new arrivals in the past week, including the Sekhukhune United duo of Lebogang Mabotja and Maloisane Mokhele, and Menzi Ndwandwe from Chippa United. Goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle has also arrived after being released by Cape Town City.
IN: Delano Abrahams (University of Pretoria), Jacob Everson (Moroka Swallows), Tshepo Kakora (NB La Masia), Lebogang Mabotja (Sekhukhune United), Maloisane Mokhele (Sekhukhune United), Sello Motsepe (Casric Stars), Gift Motupa (Baroka FC), Bongani Mpandle (Cape Town City), Limbikani Mzava, Menzi Ndwandwe (Chippa United), Tumalo Njoti (Maritzburg United), Kgaogelo Sekgota
OUT: Tebogo Mokalapa, Dawny Makgatho, Wonderboy Makhubu, Thintswalo Masebe, Katlego Molaba, Mpho Raseona, Lesego Sebetlela (both Sekehkhune United, loan return), Elson Sithole (Cape Town City), Diamond Thopola, Mcedi Vandala, Vuyisile Wana
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Summary: Apart from a host of players returning from loan who are not likely to be used much in the first team, Sundowns have also unveiled four new signings so far in winger Kobamela Kodisang, Brazilian playmaker Arthur Sales, who had been in Belgium, and defenders Kegan Johannes and teenager Asekho Tiwani. They have had also had outgoings, including some stalwarts from the last few years such as Gaston Sirino and Bongani Zungu.
IN: Kegan Johannes (SuperSport United), Kobamela Kodisang (Moreirense, Portugal), Arthur Sales (Lommel, Belgium), Asekho Tiwani (Sekhukhune United)
OUT: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United, loan), Etiosa Ighodaro (AmaZulu, loan), Thabiso Kutumela (Richards Bay), Junior Mendieta (Volos, Greece), Promise Mkhuma (University of Pretoria), Nyiko Mobbie (SuperSport United), Sifiso Ngobeni (AmaZulu, loan), Brian Onyango, Thabang Sibanyoni (Richards Bay, loan), Gaston Sirino, Ismail Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, loan), Bongani Zungu
MARUMO GALLANTS
Summary: A ball has not even been kicked yet and already there is upheaval at Gallants with coach Dylan Kerr and arriving and leaving in a short space of time. He has been replaced by Dan Malesela in what looks like it will be a co-coaching set-up. It is all a bit messy as they also try to marry their squad with the Moroka Swallows players they received in the purchase of the latter’s topflight status.
IN: Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Phathutshedzo Nange (SuperSport United), Kenneth Nthatheni (Black Leopards), Veluyeke Zulu (AmaZulu)
OUT: Tshepo Chaine, George Lata Lloyd, Sbusiso Khumalo, Sanele Kumalo, Osborn Maluleke, Tshiamo Moshoene, Lucky Motshotsho, Themba Ndlovu, Cyril Nguessan, Lerato Ntemane, Sbusiso Phiri, Itumeleng Shopane, Marvin Skhosana, Tshepo Skhosana.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Summary: Pirates have seen some big guns go but look to have made a real top signing in Angolan Gilberto, if he can stay focussed in the bright lights of Johannesburg. They have also grabbed the talented Selaelo Rasebotja from SuperSport United. They look a squad in good shape, though maybe a top class striker light.
IN: Gilberto (Petro Atletico), Thuso Moleleki (Orbit College), Selaelo Rasebotja (SuperSport United)
OUT: Kermit Erasmus, Fortune Makaringe (Cape Town City), Souaibou Marou, Cebo Mchunu (Milford FC, loan), Thabang Monare (Sekhukhune United), Siyabonga Mpontshane, Richard Ofori, Vincent Pule (SuperSport United), Bongani Sam (Kaizer Chiefs)
POLOKWANE CITY
Summary: Little movement yet at Polokwane, who had an excellent return to the topflight last season and finished in the top eight. This will be a season of consolidation so they will perhaps be reluctant to make wholesale changes. Their biggest job may be keeping hold of star man Oswin Appollis.
IN: None
OUT: Lucky Baloyi, Kambala (UD Songo, Mozambique), Ndumiso Mabena, Given Mashikinya, Obed Thuto
RICHARDS BAY
Summary: A new sponsor and several new players, Richards Bay will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle and should be better equipped to do so. They have brought in more players with topflight experience, but have lost star midfielder Sanele Barns to Stellenbosch FC. Recent new arrivals include goalkeeper Ian Otieno from Zambian side ZESCO United and forward Thabang Sibanyoni, who is a Mamelodi Sundowns player but perennially on loan.
IN: Keegan Allan (SuperSport United), Fezile Gcaba, Sbani Khumalo (both Mkhumbane Classic), Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tlakusani Mthethwa (Moroka Swallows), Ian Otieno (ZESCO United, Zambia), Thabang Sibanyoni (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Siyethemba Sithebe (Kaizer Chiefs)
OUT: Sanele Barns (Stellenbosch), Boikanyo Komane, Katleho Makateng, Khuda Muyaba, Abel Mabaso, Abdi Banda, Sibusiso Mthethwa, Jackson Mabokgwane
ROYAL AM
Summary: A club in turmoil and still under a transfer ban from Fifa, they cannot bring in players in and have let winger Menzi Masuku make the short journey to Lamontville Golden Arrows. Shaune Mogaila has gone to Sekhukhune United. Both their losses will be a blow and narrow the width of the team.
IN: None
OUT: Menzi Masuku (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Shaune Mogaila (Sekhukhune United)
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Summary: The big talking point in the Sekhukhune camp this week will be the exit of star winger Elias Mokwana, who has moved to Tunisian giants Esperance for what has been described as a record outgoing fee for the Limpopo club. That has been offset to a degree by the arrival of the pacy Shaune Mogaila from Royal AM, though Mokwana’s loss will be keenly felt.
IN: Andy Boyeli (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Loydt Kazapua (Chippa United), Sikhosonke Langa (University of Pretoria), Vuyo Letlapa (Jomo Cosmos), Keletso Makgalwa (Upington City), Joseph Maphaga (Highlands Park), Shaune Mogaila (Royal AM), Relebogile Mokhuoane (Cape Town City), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs)
OUT: Rally Bwalya, Edwin Gyimah, Lebogang Mabotja (Magesi FC), Collins Makgaka, Thamsanqa Masiya (TS Galaxy), Shaune Mogaila (Royal AM), Maloisane Mokhele (Magesi FC), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Cape Town City), Elias Mokwana (Esperance, Tunisia), Tashreeq Morris, Ntokozo Mtsweni, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Tshepo Rikhotso, Michael Sarpong, Asekho Tiwani (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sibusiso Vilakazi
STELLENBOSCH FC
Summary: Stellies had a dream season last term and will not want to change all that much, but the arrival of Sanele Barns adds some class to their midfield. Holding on to midfielder Jayden Adams could be a real battle for them, but is key as they make their CAF club competition debut in the Confederation Cup.
IN: Sanele Barns (Richards Bay), Omega Mdaka (Kaizer Chiefs), Lehlohonela Mojela (TS Galaxy)
OUT: Salifu Colley, Nhlanhla Mgaga, Qobolwakhe Sibande (TS Galaxy)
SUPERSPORT UNITED
Summary: SuperSport revealed three more players had been signed this week, midfielder Keanin Ayer who was raised in Johannesburg but came through the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, and has spent his entire career in Sweden, Norway and Denmark so far. They have also brought in defensive midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel from Chippa United and goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa from Moroka Swallows.
IN: Keanin Ayer (Naestved BK, Denmark), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan), Thakasani Mbanjwa (Moroka Swallows), Nyiko Mobbie (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brooklyn Poggenpoel (SuperSport United), Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates), Pogisho Sanoka (TS Galaxy)
OUT: Keegan Allan (Richards Bay), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium), Jesse Donn, Abdulrazack Hamza (Simba, Tanzania), Etiosa Ighodaro (Mamelodi Sundowns, loan return), Kegan Johannes (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Phathutshedzo Nange (Marumo Gallants), Selaelo Rasebotja (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu
TS GALAXY
Summary: Galaxy continue to sign players, but whether they can register them with their Fifa transfer ban remains to be seen, though owner Tim Sukazi is confident all will be sorted before the window closes. Right winger Seth Osei, who was most recently with Israeli side Hapoel Kfar Saba, is the latest through the door.
IN: Jegbay Morris Konneh (Mighty Barrolle, Liberia), Victor Letsoalo (AmaZulu), Siphesihle Maduna (Cape Town Spurs), Thamsanqa Masiya (Sekhukhune United), Ntiyiso Mbombi (JDR Stars), Khulumani Ndamane (Kaizer Chiefs), Seth Osei (free agent), Qobolwakhe Sibande (Stellenbosch), Emmanuel Sieh (Watanga, Liberia)
OUT: Thamsanqa Gabuza, Vasilije Kolak, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Vuyo Mere, Lehlohonolo Mojela (Stellenbosch), Yamil Medina (Estudiantes , Venezuela), Orebotse Mongae, Fiacre Ntwari (Kaizer Chiefs), Bernard Parker, Pogisho Sanoka (SuperSport United), Higor Vidal