The South African Premier Soccer League’s 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, as a whirlwind of transfer activity and coaching changes have swept through the country’s top clubs. With new faces arriving, familiar ones departing, and several high-profile coaching appointments, fans can expect a fiercely competitive campaign when the league resumes in the new year.
Let’s start with Stellenbosch FC, who have wasted no time bolstering their squad ahead of the new season. The club confirmed the signings of Vuyolwethu Andrieas from Diski, Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs, Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions, Thapelo Mokobodi from Marumo Gallants, Turan Manafov from Kapaz, and experienced campaigner Wayde Jooste, who joins as a free agent. These additions aim to fill the void left by several key departures, including Faiz Abrahams, who has moved to Mamelodi Sundowns, and Anicet Oura, now with IF Gnistan. The club also bid farewell to Sihle Nduli, Brian Onyango, Liam de Kock, Shaakir Ahmed, Ismael Olivier Toure, and others, signaling a significant overhaul as they look to build on last season’s performances.
Kaizer Chiefs, never ones to shy away from the spotlight, have made headlines with a flurry of signings that promise to shake up the league. The club has brought in Ethan Chislett from Port Vale, Nkanyiso Shinga from FC Alverca, Flavio Silva from Persebaya Surabaya, and Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, both from Orlando Pirates. Siphesihle Ndlovu arrives from SuperSport United, while Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman join from Cape Town Spurs. The Chiefs have also secured Etiosa Ighodaro and Lebohang Maboe from Mamelodi Sundowns, and Khanyisa Mayo on loan from CR Belouizdad. On the flip side, the club has parted ways with Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edmilson Dove (who heads to Al Quwa Al Jawiya in Iraq), Njabulo Blom, Sabelo Radebe, Ranga Chivaviro, and others, as well as sending several players on loan to Siwelele FC. These moves reflect a determined effort by the Chiefs to reclaim their place at the summit of South African football.
Orlando Pirates have also undergone significant changes, most notably appointing Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach. The club’s transfer activity has been equally busy, with Sipho Mbule joining from Mamelodi Sundowns, Yanela Mbuthuma from Richards Bay, Masindi Nemtajela from Marumo Gallants, and Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu. The Pirates have also recruited Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay, Abdoulaye Dine Mariko and Abdoulaye S Mariko from Djoliba AC, Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United, and several others. Departures include Innocent Maela, Miguel Timm (now with Sekhukhune United), Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane (both to Kaizer Chiefs), and Phillip Ndlondlo. The club has also seen a number of players head abroad or join other South African teams, signaling a new era under Ouaddou’s leadership.
Mamelodi Sundowns, perennial title contenders, have made strategic moves of their own. The club secured Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch, Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from FC Dallas, and Nuno Santos from Vitoria Guimaraes SC. However, they’ve also seen several notable departures, including Rivaldo Coetzee, Sipho Mbule (to Orlando Pirates), Lucas Suarez, Lebohang Maboe (to Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Ngobeni, and Thabang Sibanyoni. Other players such as Kobamelo Kodisang (to AVS Futebol SAD), Rushine De Reuck (to Simba SC), Thembinkosi Lorch (to Wydad Casablanca), and Matias Esquivel (to AE Kifisia) have also moved on. The Sundowns’ ability to adapt to these changes will be closely watched as they aim to defend their status as one of the league’s most formidable sides.
Elsewhere, Siwelele FC have made a splash with the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as coach and Mark Williams as reserve team coach. The club has added Buhle Mkhwanazi, Relebogile Mokhuoane, Thabo Makhele, Wayde Lekay, Siphelele Luthuli, Tebogo Potsane, Chibuike Ohizu, Samkelo Zwane, Happy Mashiane, and Zakhele Lepasa to their roster. Outgoing players include Ime Okon (to Hannover 96), Terrence Dzvukamanja (to Scottland FC), Siphesihle Ndlovu (to Kaizer Chiefs), and Bradley Grobler (to Sekhukhune United). These changes reflect a club eager to climb the standings and challenge the established order.
TS Galaxy, Orbit College FC, Lamontville Golden Arrows, and Durban City have all confirmed a range of player transfers and coaching appointments. TS Galaxy, for example, welcomed Sedwyn George and Mzwandile Dlamini from Royal AM, Onke Moletshe from Venda FC, and several others, while saying goodbye to Dzenan Zajmovic, Keagan Dolly (to Cape Town City), and Lebone Seema (to Orlando Pirates), among others. Orbit College FC has brought in Monnapule Saleng, Thuso Moleleki, and Yanga Madiba on loan from Orlando Pirates, as well as Thato Mohlamme and Lucky Malatsi. The Golden Arrows have added a host of players from Midlands Wanderers FC and other sides, and Durban City has made a statement by appointing Gavin Hunt as head coach and signing Darren Keet, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Fredrick Asare, and several others.
In the transfer market, the activity doesn’t stop there. Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City, Marumo Gallants, Chippa United, Magesi, AmaZulu, and Richards Bay FC have all been busy. Sekhukhune United, for instance, signed Wonderboy Makhubu, Bradley Grobler, Sphiwe Mahlangu, and others, while Polokwane City secured Levy Mashiane and Mashudu Makhavhu. Marumo Gallants appointed Lafitte Alexandre as head coach and brought in a raft of new players, including Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Darrel Matsheke. Chippa United made Sinethemba Badela their new head coach and signed Azola Tshobeni, Abdoulaye S Mariko, Goodman Mosele, and others. Magesi welcomed John Maduka as coach, while AmaZulu and Richards Bay FC both saw significant changes to their squads.
With so many moves completed and more likely on the way, the competitive landscape of the South African Premier Soccer League has been dramatically altered. Clubs are not only investing in talent but also in coaching expertise, hoping to find the right blend to challenge for honors. The influx of new players and the return of seasoned campaigners will inject fresh energy and unpredictability into the league.
As the dust settles on this frenetic transfer window, anticipation is building among fans and pundits alike. Will the new signings gel quickly and push their clubs to new heights? Or will the loss of key players prove too much for some teams to overcome? One thing’s for sure: the 2025-26 season promises drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points from the very first whistle.
With the transfer window still open and clubs continuing to fine-tune their squads, the South African Premier Soccer League stands on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter. Supporters across the country will be eagerly watching to see which teams emerge as early contenders and which new arrivals make an instant impact on the pitch.
