NOTABLE DEPARTURES

While the transfer market was abuzz with activity in South Africa, there were also a number of notable departures from the domestic scene.

Among them was Bafana Bafana striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane, 22, who opted to trade the DStv Premiership for a move to the United States’ Major League Soccer. Hlongwane was signed by Minnesota United and is one of two South African footballers who will take part in the competition next year, alongside former Kaizer Chiefs academy player Katlego Ntsabeleng of FC Dallas.

Elsewhere, Cape Town City forward Fagrie Lakay, 24, took the path less travelled after joining Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in a lucrative deal for the Citizens. Lakay is just the fourth South African player ever to make the trek to Egypt and follows on the tails of Al Ahly star Percy Tau, as well as Phakamani Mahlambi and Gift Links, who turned out for Ahly and Pyramids (albeit in their former guise) respectively. The Citizens also parted ways with Nigerian midfielder Abdul Ajagun, 28, who has penned a deal with Sudan’s Al Hilal.