Transfers that can happen on deadline day
The January transfer window has been arguably the busiest in recent times with almost all the teams making drastic changes to their playing personnel as they look to make a final push for league honours – or to avoid the dreaded chop – at the end of the season.
Tokelo Rantie. Photo: Kabiru Abubakar/Gallo Images.
Kaizer Chiefs became the talk of the town after finally getting their fans’ wishes fulfilled with some credible signings which included striker Leonardo Castro and long-time target Siphelele Ntshangase.
Mamelodi Sundowns also added a few to their already admirable arsenal with Gaston Sirino and also finally snared coach Pitso Mosimane’s “big fishes” Aubrey Ngoma and Jeremy Brockie.
It was, however, Bidvest Wits who really went to town with their summer transfers as they released Steven Pienaar after just six months with the club while signing five players including Thobani Mncwango, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Denis Weildich who have already joined the Milpark-based side while others like Robin Johannes will move to the club in June after signing pre-contracts.
Orlando Pirates announced on Tuesday that they have signed reigning Zambian Footballer of the Year Augustine Mulenga from Zanaco FC, just a day after that they have secured Xola Mlambo from Wits while Diamond Thopola and Phetso Maphanga are already with the Buccaneers after signing from Chippa United, who received Thabo Rakhale in exchange.
There are however some surprise transfers that might happen before the Premier Soccer League summer transfer window closes at midnight on Wednesday.
Here we look at four transfers which might still – or are expected to happen – before the window closes.
Eleazar Rodgers to Free State Stars
Phakaaathi has been informed that Ea Lla Koto have made a serious bid for Rodgers who has seen little game time at the Students this season. The Free State based team are said to be on the verge of losing Mohamad Ansa to Platinum Stars and Rodgers is seen as a direct replacement. Luc Eymael’s side are said to be willing the striker even if it is on loan until the end of the season.
Tokelo Rantie to Cape Town City
Having already attracted big names like Teko Modise and Ayanda Patosi, City could yet make another huge catch with rumours suggesting they have been talking to the Bafana Bafana striker who is known to be close to their coach Benni McCarthy.
Thabo Nthethe to Pirates
Having realised that it will not be easy to get Thulani Hlathwayo from Bidvest Wits, Pirates are said to have turned their attention to unsettled Nthethe who has not had decent game time at Sundowns recently.
Percy Tau to FC Rostov/FC Midtjylland
Pitso Mosimane has said he would like to see Tau competing in the big leagues in Europe and this could be his chance to break into that market. Although it is highly unlikely Mosimane will agree to the move at this stage, he could relent since he now has Aubrey Ngoma who could cover the void.
