The transfer window is already heated just a few days after opening.
Andile Jali finally put pen to paper, ending months of speculation, as he joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jali’s contract with KV Oostende ended by mutual consent before the end of last season and since then his next destination has been the most talked about move in SA soccer.
He taunted us, saying whichever club had the number 15 jersey available he would sign for, as his former side Orlando Pirates, as well as their crosstown rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns were all vying for the midfielder’s services.
HOMEBOY: City recruit Riyaad Norodien. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
At Bucs, Thabo Qalinge is No.15, while the jersey number is retired at Chiefs.
So Jali ended up at Downs, much to the disappointment of many, with Pirates fans bitter their former star has snubbed a return and Chiefs fans annoyed at missing out on a much-needed midfield boost.
Then on Monday, the Buccaneers announced a massive spending spree, nine players at once.
They are not playing.
Pirates confirmed the signings of Brilliant Khuzwayo, Vincent Pule, Ben Motshwari, Asavela Mbekile, Kudakawshi Mahachi, Abel Mabaso, Linda Mntambo, Paseka Mako and Meshack Maphangula.
HE'S A KEEPER: Bucs' Brilliant Khuzwayo. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
This is major and there’s big quality in that group.
Basically, Pirates are two players short of a second team entirely.
Their midfield will be massively boosted with players I rate highly like Pule, Motshwari and Mahachi.
DOWN FOR THE CAUSE: Andile Jali with Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane on Friday. Photo: @Masandawana via Twitter
They have wasted no time in sorting out the transfers and now the coach knows exactly who he has to work with when pre-season begins in two weeks.
Baroka reportedly want to go one better and unveil a new coach plus 10 new signings on Friday.
PIRATES ADDITION: Vincent Pule, right. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Riyaad Norodien is another who has secured a move, joining Cape Town City from Pirates.
Norodien spent the second half of the season on loan at Platinum Stars but has now returned to the Mother City where he joins Benni McCarthy’s blue army.
But we’re all waiting to see where Percy Tau ends up.
A source of mine says the English club leading the chase for his services is Brighton.