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In a year affected by the coronavirus pandemic, market activity regarding the purchase of players has not been at the usual level
Clubs in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are running out of time if they want to make more additions to their respective teams.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting five-month hiatus for action towards the end of last season, the schedule for the 2020/21 season has a rather abnormal feel.
The preseason for one was affected, as were the dates during which clubs can buy and sell players.
On Monday morning, the PSL issued a statement confirming that the current transfer window ends tonight. They also clarified when the mid-season window will open.
“The PSL transfer window is closing tonight. The Premier Soccer League domestic transfer window will close today, November 30, 2020 at midnight.
“The second domestic transfer window will open on February 1, 2021 until March 1, 2021,” the statement read.
Usually, with the deadline looming, a series of late signings is expected. But since Covid-19 occurred, some teams are in financial difficulties and there is not expected to be too much transfer activity.
To date, only four top-flight clubs have done significant business. These are Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu, and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).
Sundowns, backed by money from mining magnate and owner Patrice Motsepe, has arguably done the best deal, particularly with the signings of Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus, who have already made a significant impact.
The Pirates, who like their rivals Kaizer Chiefs, enjoy good sponsorship backing, have also made many promising signings, including Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Ghana international goalkeeper Richard Ofori and several others. His most recent contract was for DRC striker Jean-Marc Makusu, and the Sea Robbers are not expected to add additional players on Monday.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu has been spending heavily with new owner Sandile Zungu, who hopes to rekindle the Durban team. Included in the squad is former Bafana star Bafana Siphiwe Tshabalala, as well as former Orlando Pirates trio Augustine Mulenga, Xola Mlambo and Luvuyo Memela.
TTM, which bought the Bidvest Wits franchise, has made a number of new signings including Mogakolodi Ngele, Thabo Rakhale, Justin Shonga, Lerato Lamola and Thabo Mnyamane.
The Kaizer Chiefs are unable to sign due to FIFA’s transfer ban.
