The 2026-27 PSL season kicks off on Saturday, 1 August with Orlando Pirates beginning their title defence at home against Milford FC.
Kaizer Chiefs will be away to Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on the same day with the match set to kick-off at 20:00.
Mamelodi Sundowns will not be in action after their request to have their game against Marumo Gallants was granted.
Now, The South African takes a look at who, from last season’s top three teams, has had a better transfer window…
WHO HAS HAD BETTER TRANSFER WINDOW: PIRATES, SUNDOWNS OR CHIEFS?
ORLANDO PIRATES
As the defending champions, Orlando Pirates were expected to reinforce their squad to ensure that they retain the three titles they won last season.
And they have done just that while letting go of players the technical team feel won’t play any part going forward.
So far, 15 players have already left (either released or sold) while the Buccaneers have signed nine new players.
Pirates have clearly been the busiest of the three teams, and how Abdeslam Ouaddou aims to get the team gel as quickly as possible.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Brazilians have not gone too hard in this transfer window despite their failure to win any of the domestic trophies on offer.
Sundowns may have won the CAF Champions League but defending the title will be very difficult and it requires proper reinforcements.
As things stand, Miguel Cardoso has brought in just three players in Antonio van Wyk, Siyanda Ndlovu and returned Cassius Mailula.
Sundowns have let got of just two players, and they are Peter Shalulile and Terrence Mashego (on loan) although the latter spent last season on loan at Durban City.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Kaizer Chiefs are looking to build on their third-place finish achieved last season, and the rebuilding phase will be led by newly-appointed coach Fernando da Cruz.
Da Cruz is clear that Amakhosi still need more players, and it is for this reason the management is trying to sign Langelihle Phili among others.
As things stand, confirmed departures are those involving Gaston Sirino, Happy Mashiane, George Matlou and Aden McCarthy.
But more players are expected to leave the club, including Thabo Cele, Ashley du Preez and Given Msimango in the coming days.
Chiefs have, so far, acquired the services of three players – Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner.
THE VERDICT…
There is no doubt that Pirates have been the busiest in the transfer window and some of their transfers are eye-catching.
But perhaps the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng coupled with their failure to sign Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows stole the shine.
As for Sundowns, it has been a very quiet one, and that’s unlike them given their huge ambitions but there’s still time for them to catch up.
Lastly, Chiefs have, so far, tried their best with the three signings although they still need more in order to be competitive.
In the end, one can conclude that Pirates are far ahead of both Sundowns and Chiefs in this transfer window which slams shut on 21 September.
