Orlando Pirates sign three reinforcements and Kaizer Chiefs confirm new coach

The Premier Soccer League market has shifted into high gear. Confirmed signings, ongoing negotiations and changes in the coaching staff of at least two big clubs – the South African transfer window promises to reshape much of the championship even before a ball is kicked next season.

Pirates build a new generation

The Buccaneers are among the most active in this window. The arrival of left-back Neo Rapoo, 20, formerly of Siwelele and a South African Under-20 international, is already finalised. The youngster arrives with recognised quality, but will have to compete for his position with Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba – two established names on the left flank of the Soweto club.

Besides Rapoo, midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane, from Stellenbosch FC, and defender Sibangani Zulu, from Richards Bay FC, have already undergone medicals and should sign soon. The window could deliver even more: Isaac Cisse, a 19-year-old midfielder from Golden Arrows, has signed a contract with a new dispute over the young talent. The official confirmation should come in the coming days.

On the front of outgoing moves, forward Siyanda Ndlovu, 22, also from Golden Arrows, is one step away from joining the Buccaneers. He is seen by the board as the ideal replacement for Relebohile Mofokeng, whose departure abroad seems on track. Sipho Mbule, meanwhile, will not continue: the club chose not to exercise the second-year option of his contract, releasing the 28-year-old. Siwelele have reportedly already made contact with the midfielder.

Kaizer Chiefs settle on their new coaching set-up

At Naturena, the most anticipated changes of the window concern the coaching staff. Fernando Da Cruz was officially announced as the new coach of the Amakhosi. The Frenchman arrives accompanied by assistant Mahmoud Abbas and sports-science specialist Julien Le Heran. To balance the structure with a local eye, Dillon Sheppard is expected to be brought in as a second assistant – someone who knows the particularities of the Betway Premiership and can help Da Cruz adapt to the South African football environment.

Before Da Cruz’s confirmation, rumours circulated about a conversation between the club’s directors and Dwight Yorke. The 54-year-old former Trinidad and Tobago striker has spells in charge of Macarthur Bulls, of the Australian A-League – where he lifted the Australia Cup – and of his country’s national team. However, the contacts with Yorke apparently did not progress.

Also ruled out is the departure of Glody Makabi Lilepo. The 28-year-old forward was linked with Al-Ittihad, of Libya, but sources close to the club guarantee he stays. “Lilepo is here. Lilepo is in the squad. There’s none of that. He’s not going anywhere,” an insider told the club.

Movements across the rest of the PSL

Sekhukhune United are close to signing Cedric Kaze to replace Eric Tinkler. The deal provides for a one-year contract with an option to renew for two more. Meanwhile, Khalil Ben Youssef – a former assistant at the Amakhosi – appears as a candidate to take over Durban City, although the negotiation is not yet closed.

At Golden Arrows, the scenario is one of rupture. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi leaves the club at the end of June, along with assistants Kagisho Dikgacoi and Musa Bilankulu. The 55-year-old coach is weighing options at home and abroad. For 2026/27, the club will have to assemble a completely new coaching staff.

Marumo Gallants lose Lucky Sekela Sithole, whose contract expires without renewal. The 29-year-old midfielder was a central piece in the club’s survival campaign and should not lack suitors. Ibrahim Bance, also of Gallants, drew the interest of Orlando Pirates, but the talks cooled – and the player remains a priority to be kept in the team.

Finally, Peter Shalulile remains on the market’s radar. The forward’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns is close to expiring, but negotiations over an extension are ongoing. Links with Pirates are dismissed by those following the situation closely. “There are no talks with any club other than Sundowns,” said a source close to the forward and the Chloorkop club.