CAPE TOWN – Last month’s transfer window was not short of drama, deals being confirmed as soon as clubs were given the go-ahead to bolster their squads on January 1. Here we highlight seven of the biggest moves in the Premier Soccer League in the build-up to what should be a much more intriguing second half of the campaign.
Jeremy Brockie
We don’t have the official numbers, but the forward’s move from SuperSport United to crosstown rivals Mamelodi Sundowns is believed to be a record transfer in the PSL. The Brazilians would have had to trigger a R15 million release clause to get Brockie to Chloorkop, ensuring they have incredible firepower in their challenge for the PSL and CAF Champions League, which kicks off this month.
JEREMY BROCKIE: Hismove is believed to be a record transfer in the PSL. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Leonardo Castro
Perhaps Chiefs’ biggest recruit in the Steve Komphela era, the Colombian has already announced himself with a goal on his debut two weeks ago - with his first touch. If he is able to rediscover the form he was in to help former club Sundowns win the league title in 2016, then Amakhosi fans are in for a treat. Chiefs are great in defence but aren’t converting the chances they're creating. Castro should be the answer.
Yannick Zakri
Muhsin Ertugral has showered the Ivorian with praise at Ajax Cape Town, where he is on loan from Sundowns after failing to break into the starting line-up there. And Zakri has not let his coach down so far, impressing on his debut against Free State Stars last weekend and then scoring in the Urban Warriors’ 3-0 mauling of Orlando Pirates on Wednesday.
Evans Rusike
This was a last-minute deal but one that was much needed, the striker moving from Maritzburg United to SuperSport, who were desperately looking for someone to fill the void left by Brockie. Rusike comes highly rated, and Matsatsantsa had to part ways with a good sum of money to get him to move away from a club where he was considered their best bet for goals and was their leading marksman with seven goals from 19 league games - an unflattering record, but impressive when you consider his work rate and that he played out wide quite often.
Lorenzo Gordinho
Arguably the shock move of the January transfer window, but many have argued Bloemfontein Celtic were the big winners of the defender’s loan move from Chiefs, after Kabelo Mahlasela suffered a long-term injury on his first day training with his new club at Naturena. Mahlasela was part of a swap deal as Gordinho will spend the next 12 months in the Free State. Celtic were in desperate need for a centre-back after injury to Wandisile Letlabika and Gordinho has been immediately throw in.
Lorenzo Gordinho: One of seven of the biggest moves in the PSL. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Siphelele Ntshangase
It would appear that the midfield maestro is still trying to grasp the “Chiefs way” as he is being used as an impact player by Amakhosi coach Komphela. But he is more than that. His arrival from Baroka FC excited Chiefs fans and gave them the hope that the club might eventually win a trophy under Komphela. Used just behind the strikers, a player of Ntshangase’s calibre can truly be the missing link between the club’s midfield and attack, solving that scoring conundrum.
Edwin Gyimah
Bidvest Wits can claim they now have bite in midfield after convincing the ex-SuperSport and Pirates hardman to leave Sweden after just six months to return to SA. He’s slotted in immediately, helping the reigning champions, who were bottom of the log when he signed his contract, move up the table with some notable victories. Gyimah’s versatility is also a plus for the Clever Boys when there are injuries.
@superjourno
Cape Times