Another day for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns daily transfer news updates.
Competing for the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup demands Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to remain active in the transfer market on a daily basis!
TWO SIGNINGS TO ORLANDO PIRATES
The mighty Sea Robbers have reportedly signed Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch FC and Sbangani Zulu from Richards Bay FC.
KAIZER CHIEFS LEAD AYABULELA MAXWELE RACE
Amakhosi are said to be in pole position to sign Ayabulela Maxwelele from Golden Arrows, ahead of Orlando Pirates.
ADEN MCCARTHY MOVES TO EUROPE
Kaizer Chiefs’ exciting 22-year-old central defender Aden McCarthy is moving to Sabah FK in Azerbaijan.
Staying with Amakhosi, French coach Fernando Da Cruz is the leading candidate to take over as the head coach next season.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TAKING A BACK SEAT
Sundowns appear content to let the transfer speculation swirl around rival clubs for now. They have traditionally operated quietly in the market, preferring to conduct their business behind the scenes rather than in the public eye.
WHEN ARE THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE TRANSFER WINDOWS?
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer calendar is split into two registration periods each season, the main pre-season window and the mid-season window.
Pre-season transfer window: Opens on 1 July and usually runs until September, allowing clubs to complete squad building before and during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Mid-season transfer window: Opens on 1 January and closes in February, giving clubs an opportunity to strengthen squads for the second half of the season.
HOW ARE SALARIES AND CONTRACTS STRUCTURED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PSL?
Player salaries and contracts in the PSL are not controlled by a league salary cap or minimum wage structure. Instead, agreements are negotiated directly between the club, player and player representative. As a result, earnings vary significantly depending on several factors.
Player profile and experience: Established stars, senior internationals and Bafana Bafana players can earn more up to R1 million per month, particularly when image rights and commercial agreements are included.
Meanwhile, younger players and footballers at smaller clubs may earn closer to R20,000–30,000 monthly at top clubs. The figures are as low as R12 000 at smaller clubs.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRANSFER FEES IN PSL HISTORY?
Some of the biggest transfers involving South African clubs include:
- Percy Tau: R64 million (Mamelodi Sundowns to Brighton & Hove Albion, 2018)
- Mbekezile Mbokazi: R52 million (Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC, 2025)
- Thulani Serero: R50 million (Ajax Cape Town to AFC Ajax, 2011)
- Mbulelo Mabizela: R46 million (Orlando Pirates to Tottenham Hotspur, 2003).
HOW DO PRE-CONTRACTS DEALS WORK?
Pre-contract agreements allow clubs to secure players before their current contracts expire.
A club negotiates directly with the player. He signs an agreement confirming the player will join once the existing contract ends. This means no transfer fee is paid.
HOW DO FREE AGENT SIGNINGS WORK?
A free transfer happens when a player becomes available without a transfer fee, usually after their contract expires.
Direct negotiations: The new club negotiates directly with the player and representatives. There is no need to agree a transfer amount with another club.
Mutual termination: Players may also become free agents if both player and club agree to terminate the contract before expiry.
For official transfer activity and confirmed moves, clubs and supporters often track updates through Transfermarkt South Africa.
