CAPE TOWN - The PSL is back with a bang next week after a break to accommodate the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, currently under way in Gabon. The transfer window closed on Tuesday, with clubs strengthening their squads ahead of what should be a really tough, competitive final run-in to the campaign. We take a look at some of the transfers that have taken place:
Ajax Cape Town
Ajax head coach Stanley Menzo has good reason to be upbeat, as he contemplates the resumption of the PSL next week. Not only has the 53-year-old turned the team around after a hellish start to the season, he has also managed to significantly beef up the squad during the transfer window.
The addition of defender Rheece Evans, top-class Zambian duo Rodrick Kabwe and Aubrey Funga, and the return of the much-travelled Sameehg Doutie signals the Cape club’s intentions of making a bit of a splash during the second half of the season.
Currently in ninth position on the PSL standings, Ajax kick off with an away fixture against second-placed Wits in Johannesburg next Tuesday.
Evans brings versatility to the defence, attackers Kabwe and Funga have an eye for goal and the Mother City certainly needs no introduction to the smooth, silky skills of Doutie.
Evans arrives on an 18-month loan deal from Mamelodi Sundowns. He hasn’t had much opportunity at the champion Pretoria club and he’s keen to revitalise his career in the Cape.
“I am very happy to be here,” said Evans. "It feels like it has been a long time coming. Ajax have been after me and I have been trying to move to the club for many years now. In the past, it had been disappointing to see a potential move fall through, but now that I am here I am so relieved and happy. It feels like I’m home.”
Ajax have also been proactive by persuading Platinum Stars central defender Isaac Nhlapo to sign a pre-contract with the club. As such, the defender will join Ajax during the off season. The thinking behind the move is that the Cape club needs to be prepared for the eventual departure of Rivaldo Coetzee. There has been interest from overseas for the 20-year-old star and it’s only a matter of time before he’s on his way.
Cape Town City
City have never wavered in their opinion that they are happy with the squad they have. They certainly had no reason to break the bank during the transfer window, especially in light of the fact that they are in third position on the PSL standings and are the current Telkom Knockout champions.
It was, therefore, deemed unnecessary to scour the market for a high-priced, big-name player. City believe they have sufficient quality. So what they have done during the window is just to bring in a bit more depth by signing striker Letsi Koapeng, midfielder Siyabonga Dubula and defenders Edmilson Dove and Raphael Georgiades.
City have been vocal that they want to add more bite to their strike-force and, in Koapeng, a former Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and Wits forward, they believe they have a player they can mould and improve. Koapeng was signed from NFD side Stellenbosch FC. Georgiades was promoted from the club’s reserve team, while Mozambican Dove adds depth to the team in defence. It’s likely that Thato Mokeke will be deployed in midfield (after the return to Australia of Matt Sim), which leaves City with only Ebrahim Seedat at left-back. Dove provides another option as a flank defender.
Dubula, a local lad from Delft, was signed from FC Cape Town. Dubula is said to be a player worth monitoring, and City have now given him an opportunity in the big-time.
“Dubula is a local Cape Town boy from Delft and is one of the top prospects in the country. We have no doubt that he has a bright future at City,” said the club in a statement.
The Cape club resumes its season next Tuesday, with a home game against Highlands Park.
Other notable transfers
Champions Mamelodi Sundowns brought in Algerian defender Fares Hachi to their already impressive squad.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Mandla Masango has returned to South Africa and will turn out for SuperSport United, when the PSL resumes next week.
Orlando Pirates have taken Togolese midfielder Dove Wome on loan from SuperSport until the end of the season, while the other Soweto club, Chiefs, desperate to add some quality to their attack, signed Venezuelan striker Gustavo Paez.
Maritzburg United, sitting pretty in a comfortable eighth position on the log, beefed up their defence with the signing of Keorapetse Molete from Ajax Cape Town.
Second-placed Wits have also landed a bit of a coup in persuading former Ajax midfielder Granwald Scott to continue his career in Johannesburg.