Switching allegiances
George Lebese’s move from Kaizer Chiefs to Mamelodi Sundowns might have caught many fans by surprise, but the midfielder is one of many players who crossed the floor between the two sides. In the NSL era, the likes of Donald“Ace” Khuse, Johannes“Bricks” Mudau, Eric September and Jan“Malombo” Lechaba moved from Sundowns to Chiefs, and vice versa. Kick Off’s Zola Doda notes the deals that took place during the PSL era. Sundowns to Chiefs Martin Zwane (Defender)
The late Martin Zwane started his career with Wits University before rising to prominence at Sundowns. When former Masandawana coach Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala joined Chiefs as general manager in 1997/98, it didn’t come as a surprise when he recommended Zwane to Amakhosi.
Fabian McCarthy (Defender)
Fabian McCarthy made his name at Bloemfontein Celtic under the late April ‘Styles’ Phumo before joining Sundowns. At Sundowns, he was in the team that reached the 2001 CAF Champions League final, which they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Al Ahly, before heading south to Naturena two years later.
Josta Dladla (Forward)
Towards the end of his time with Sundowns, Josta Dladla had a difficult time with the club supporters who often booed him. The midfielder then moved to Naturena in a swap deal with Thuso Phala resurrected his career.
Jose Torrealba (Forward)
“El Buda” was a key player at Sundowns, having joined in 2005. But the Venezuelan international left Chloorkop in acrimonious circumstances after the PSL DRC ruled that his contract with the Brazilians had come to an end. The striker left Chiefs in January 2011 after failing to win a regular place under Vladimir Vermezovic.
Katlego Mphela (Forward)
After two successful seasons with SuperSport United, Katlego Mphela joined Sundowns in 2008 where he became a hero with the club supporters. When Pitso Mosimane joined as coach in December 2012, he reunited with his former SuperSport United and Bafana player. But the ‘bromance’ didn’t last as Mphela fell down the pecking order, joining rivals Chiefs during the 2014/15 season in search of more game-time.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Defender)
After a successful season with Sundowns where he won the League and Telkom Knockout, Mphahlele did not renew his contract and decided to join Chiefs instead. The defender was club captain at the time when he moved from Chloorkop to Naturena, and has been a regular in the gold and black since.