PSL clubs can strike gold with top players now free agents

THAT some top players have become available for free is a blessing for some South African football clubs who have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

There’s no denying that the upcoming transfer window market will differ markedly from the usual following troubled times in the world economy as there is less likelihood that any PSL club will break the bank to sign players they want. Even big money spinners like Sundowns have not shown their usual boldness with their open chequebook this time.

Soccer writer, MINENHLE MKHIZE, looks at the top 10 PSL players whose availability as free agents is a boom for clubs keen to match their salary demands:

1.Siyanda Xulu:

Xulu has been a vital cog for Maritzburg United at the heart of defence. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs defender joined the Team of Choice three seasons ago. His exploits in his debut season for the team from KwaZulu-Natal’s capital earned him the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Defender of the Season gong. Xulu is now free. His contract with Maritzburg has expired and they couldn’t offer him what he was looking for. The 29-year-old is an experienced centreback with international experience having played in Russia where he excelled for FC Rostov. 2.Morgan Gould:

The former SuperSport United skipper is in the twilight of his career. He recently parted ways with Stellenbosch FC. Gould is now a free agent. In his career, he has amassed multiple silverwares and represented Bafana Bafana on numerous occasions. Gould is now 37 years of age but has no intention of hanging up his boots. 3.Joseph Molangoane: Molangoane, 32, is one of those few footballers to play for both Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. His long lay off contributed immensely to his exit at Amakhosi. He got injured when he was at the top of his game. Chiefs decided against renewing his contract. 4.Thabo Rakhale:

He declined an offer from Chippa United and as a result they cut ties. He has been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs - a club he has liked since childhood. With Amakhosi banned from signing players, it remains to be seen as to where Rakhale will end up. 5.Thabo Mnyamane: Injuries have hampered his progress. SuperSport United opted against renewing his contract. The talented left footer was on the radar of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns when he was on top of his game. But injuries struck. 6.Tendai Ndoro:

At some stage he was the hottest property in South African football because of his finishing prowess while at Pirates before moving overseas and coming back and making headlines for wrong reasons. Ndoro has ways with Highlands Park.

7.Michael Morton: Morton recently left AmaZulu. Morton can operate in a number of positions and will come for free for any club that wants to capture his signature.

8.Kabelo Mahlasela:

A long term injury jeopardised his career at Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi didn’t renew his contract and won’t return to Naturena Village next season. 9.Thabo Qalinge:

A few years ago, Qalinge arrived at Orlando Pirates and performed with aplomb. But constant line-up changes at the star-studded Soweto club often forced him to start on the bench. He later joined SuperSport United where he failed to make an impact and was let go. He is now looking for a new club.

10.Nhlanhla Vilakazi: Vilakazi joined AmaZulu after helping Free State Stars win the Nedbank Cup. At Usuthu he was handed the captain’s armband. He didn’t feature in the last few month.