League transfers certainly lived up to their promise
THE transfer market can be pretty hit or miss, but here is our list of the best buys from the 2013-14 PSL season:
It is probably fair to say that Free State Stars would not have stayed in the Premiership were it not for the goals of Henyekane, brought in on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns. He scored seven times, which equated to eight precious points for Stars.
Jaakkola has been a revelation since arriving at Ajax and was the likely difference between safety and a relegation scrap this season, winning his nomination for Goalkeeper of the Season at Sunday’s PSL awards. Coach Roger de Sa believes he was worth “at least 12 extra points” to the team.
The Malawian was not picked after trials at AmaZulu, but it proved to be a monumental mistake as he scored nine goals in 14 starts. Can Phunya Sele Sele hold on to one
of the hottest young strikers in the league? Mkhwanazi has spent the previous season on loan at AmaTuks from Sundowns but they made the move permanent and he proved a rock at the back for the Pretoria side. He also was a key part of the locally based Bafana Bafana selection.
It is fair to say that not many had heard of the 20-year-old before he arrived at Wits on loan from Sundowns. But he started the majority of games and was involved in every match on their way to the Nedbank Cup final. Mature beyond his years, he will try next term to break into the Downs side.
Ngcobo spent the first half of the season on loan at AmaZulu from Chiefs, but having disappointed he was snapped up by Wits in January with coach Gavin Hunt sure he could get the best out of the forward. And so it proved as Ngcobo scored crucial goals but also contributed with his all-round play. Another player out on loan from Downs, Nyatama was a star player for Celtic, particularly in the second half of the season. For a player not used to scoring regularly, his eight goals in all competitions this season showed a different side to his game.
The Senegalese star had caught the eye at Chippa United the previous season and Stars won a contested race for his signature. His role as a defensive midfielder helped Stars to the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout titles, providing excellent cover for their defence.
Zungu hit the headlines with AmaTuks in 2012-13 and was snapped up by Sundowns. He would go on to play a leafing role in their romp to the PSL title.
So good have Zwane’s performances been that he has been called up to the SA side for the tour of Australia and New Zealand. His passing range and vision are a particular highlight. Unfortunately for Aces he was only on loan from Sundowns.