JOHANNESBURG - It can either be a hit or a miss when signing new players. In the era of free transfers and some overpriced recruits, here’s a prediction of how the top five purchases in the PSL so far will fare at their new clubs.
Steven Pienaar - Bidvest Wits
There’s honestly not a lot of football left in "Schillo", but coach Gavin Hunt will know how to manage him and probably get the best out of the midfielder. If he stays fit, Pienaar will be an incredible asset to the reigning league champions.
I'm officially a Clever Boy
— Steven Pienaar (@therealstevenpi) July 5, 2017
Ayanda Patosi - Cape Town City
It’s disappointing that "Pato" has returned from abroad before he’s even turned 25, casting a doubt on whether he can deliver on his potential.
He still has to dispel the notion that he has a low work rate. Patosi has a lot of critics, even those very well aware of his unbelievable talent, and it’s up to him to prove them wrong.
"It doesn't feel weird - I come from Khayelitsha" - CTCFC #10 Ayanda Patosi 💙 #iamCityFC #Patosi10 pic.twitter.com/jBdhBBlGFD
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 4, 2017
Oupa Manyisa - Mamelodi Sundowns
Did Sundowns sign him two years too late from Orlando Pirates? His new coach Pitso Mosimane has poured cold water on that suggestion, saying the former Buccaneers skipper is the ideal replacement for Modise as a creative attacker for the Brazilians and also has the added advantage of being five years younger.
Manyisa has been a shadow of the player he was when he was a regular for Bafana at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He needs to revive his career and perhaps he can do it playing for the African champions.
Looking forward to making new memories and being part of the family. Kabo Yellow ♠️👆 pic.twitter.com/q75Sip0nXl
— Oupa Manyisa (@OupaManyisa20) August 14, 2017
Wayne Sandilands - Orlando Pirates
Surprising that he left Sundowns, but his next destination made sense given the goalkeeping crisis at Pirates last season, where none of the three choices were able to make the No 1 jersey their own. Sandilands is definitely worth the hype and has long deserved regular game time. He will need a couple of solid performances and clean sheets early on to stamp his authority between the sticks. Good signing if he can settle quickly.
To my new family...It's truly a honor to be a Pirates player...you have my all! #cinderellaman pic.twitter.com/RyN2SwMOQ6
— Wayne Sandilands (@Wsandilands40) July 13, 2017
George Lebese - Mamelodi Sundowns
He says he has returned “home” being from Mamelodi and all. Hopefully that can help him pull up his socks. For several years now, the former Kaizer Chiefs winger has been threatening to wow the PSL, but often fades before Christmas.
A consistent Lebese has it in him to challenge for top individual honours and push for a return to the national team. He arrives at Sundowns as a replacement for Keagan Dolly and offers Mosimane’s side some much-needed balance, but he’s going to have to improve his work rate. He is worth the hype if he can use the quality around him to his advantage.
Bittersweet moment
Pleasant but painful
I'm happy to be back home @Masandawana pic.twitter.com/eWmmFR5cFb