Orlando Pirates enter the campaign as defending champions after stopping Mamelodi Sundowns’ remarkable eight-year dynasty in the Betway Premiership.
Both clubs have also been aggressive in the transfer market. Mamelodi Sundowns have brought in seven players, while Orlando Pirates have added 12 players to their squad.
DID MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HIJACK TWO ORLANDO PIRATES TARGETS?
Interestingly, there has also been competition between the two clubs for players. Mamelodi Sundowns hijacked the deals for Siyanda Ndlovu and Thabang Matuludi, players who were close to joining Orlando Pirates.
It is not the first time this has happened. Orlando Pirates have also snatched Mamelodi Sundowns to targets over the years, making the transfer market another battleground between the two giants.
WHO DID MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SIGN?
Kabo Yellow have focused on adding experience, attacking quality and competition for places.
Cassius Mailula, 25, has returned from Toronto FC in Canada as a forward. He initially broke through at Mamelodi Sundowns before gaining experience abroad.
Siyanda Ndlovu, 22, arrives from Lamontville Golden Arrows. The forward is regarded as a player with pace and attacking potential.
Antonio van Wyk, 24, joins from SV Ried in Austria. The winger brings European experience and gives Mamelodi Sundowns another attacking option.
Katlego Ntsabeleng, 28, has made his move from FC Dallas permanent after initially joining on loan. He adds another option in the attacking and midfield areas.
Deano Van Rooyen, 29, is perhaps the most interesting signing because he has crossed the divide from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns. The right-back brings experience and knowledge of the domestic game.
Thabo Cele, 29, has joined from Kaizer Chiefs. The central midfielder adds physicality, experience and another box-to-box option.
Then there is Thabang Matuludi, 27, who is set to join from Polokwane City. The right-back was also wanted by the Buccaneers, making the move another significant victory for Mamelodi Sundowns in the transfer battle.
WHO DID ORLANDO PIRATES SIGN?
Orlando Pirates have taken a different approach, adding a large group of players with a strong focus on youth and development.
Sbangani Zulu, 23, arrives from Richards Bay as a central defender.
Bohlale Ngwato, 20, joins from Siwelele FC as a winger, while Ghampani Lungu, 27, also arrives from Siwelele FC as another attacking option.
Neo Rapoo, 20, has joined from Siwelele FC and can play at left-back.
Bheki Mabuza, 23, arrives from Marumo Gallants and offers versatility as a winger or midfielder.
Matome Mmolai, 22, joins from Leicesterford City as a midfielder.
Thapelo Mokobodi, 23, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, 25, strengthen the midfield department, with Mokobodi arriving from Stellenbosch FC.
Aphiwe Baliti, 24, is another player from Siwelele FC, although he has been loaned back to the club for the season.
Sebastian Pedersen, 27, arrives from Sogndal in Norway, while Mohau Nkota, 21, has joined from Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia on loan.
The final addition is Kabelo Kgositsile, 21, who joins from Baroka FC as a winger.
WHICH CLUB HAS THE STRONGER RECRUITMENT?
On paper, the two clubs have taken noticeably different approaches.
Mamelodi Sundowns have concentrated on players who can potentially contribute immediately, with Mailula, van Wyk, Van Rooyen and Cele bringing experience from South Africa and abroad.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, have gone for greater numbers and appear to have placed a bigger emphasis on younger players who can develop into important first-team players.
WHO HAS WON THE TRANSFER BATTLE SO FAR?
There is also an interesting contrast in the transfer battle itself. Mamelodi Sundowns managed to take Ndlovu and Matuludi despite interest from Orlando Pirates, while Orlando Pirates secured Van Rooyen after he had established himself as a key player at the club.
With Orlando Pirates defending their title and Mamelodi Sundowns determined to reclaim it, the two clubs’ recruitment could have a major influence on the next Betway Premiership title race.
For now, the battle between the two giants is not only taking place on the pitch. It is also being fought in the transfer market.
