It’s another day, and the transfer news is heating up for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. These teams are competing for top spots in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and CAF Confederation Cup, which requires them to stay active in the transfer market daily.
With the stakes high, these teams need to ensure they have the best players on their rosters. This season, Kaizer Chiefs’ Glody Lilepo has delivered nine goals and four assists in 37 games, making him a valuable asset. The 28-year-old DR Congo international joined Amakhosi last season in January 2025 on a two-and-a-half-year contract from Valenciennes FC for a fee of around R9.6 million.
Transfer Targets and Rumours
Raja Casablanca, coached by South Africa’s Fadlu Davids, are reportedly keen on signing Kaizer Chiefs winger Glody Lilepo. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are closing in on Golden Arrows’ 23-year-old captain Ayanda Jiyane, who has led his team to eighth place with 27 appearances. The Buccaneers have previously signed stellar captains from Arrows who went on to become Bafana Bafana internationals, including Siyabonga Sangweni and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Durban City are also interested in Mamelodi Sundowns defender Terrence Mashego, who has played 29 matches for City on loan. However, according to Mazola Molefe, Durban City are unable to sign Mashego ahead of the end of his loan deal in June, with Sundowns set to recall the Mamelodi-born player.
Transfer Windows and Salaries
The Premier Soccer League transfer calendar is split into two registration periods each season: the main pre-season window and the mid-season window. The pre-season transfer window opens on 1 July and usually runs until September, while the mid-season transfer window opens on 1 January and closes in February.
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, including player profile and experience. Established stars, senior internationals, and Bafana Bafana players can earn up to R1 million per month, while younger players and footballers at smaller clubs may earn closer to R20,000–30,000 monthly.
Biggest Transfer Fees in PSL History
Some of the biggest transfers involving South African clubs include Percy Tau’s R64 million move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018, Mbekezile Mbokazi’s R52 million move from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC in 2025, and Thulani Serero’s R50 million move from Ajax Cape Town to AFC Ajax in 2011.
Pre-Contract Deals and Free Agent Signings
Pre-contract agreements allow clubs to secure players before their current contracts expire. A club negotiates directly with the player, who signs an agreement confirming they will join once their existing contract ends. This means no transfer fee is paid. Free transfers, on the other hand, happen when a player becomes available without a transfer fee, usually after their contract expires. In such cases, the new club negotiates directly with the player and their representatives.
For official transfer activity and confirmed moves, clubs and supporters often track updates through Transfermarkt South Africa.
