Top three to assess way forward in new normal
Chies, Pirates and Sundowns likely to tinker with squads
MAY 31 – today. This was supposed to be a special day in South African football as clubs had to decide whether they’ll be keeping some of their players or not.
But as the coronavirus pandemic brought the season to a complete pause, with South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan saying “the domestic season will likely continue at level 2 or 1, albeit teams being allowed to train at level 3 as per sports minister Nathi Mthethwa’s orders”, there’s a cloud of uncertainty that has hung over the transfer period leading to next season.
Sponsorship are, on the other hand, not expected to announce windfalls as they often do. But there’s no doubt that the top three clubs – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – will need to boost their squads come next seasons.
Soccer writer MIHLALI BALEKA gives an overview on how Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns are expected go about their business once the government gives the green on football resumption – something that will likely happen July/august.
CHIEFS
A couple of players have had their contracts renewed at Naturena, but the imminent departure of George Maluleka is probably something that the Amakhosi faithful are still battling to digest.
Well – to the uninformed – Maluleka is not leaving because he was sold to European suitors, instead he is joining local rivals Sundowns, having agreed to join the Brazilians on a pre-contract early this year.
Considering that Chiefs that are also in the hunt for a return to the pinnacle of South African football, following a five-year drought, they’ll need a steady attacking midfielder, considering that anchor Willard Katsande has also renewed his stay at the club with only one season.
Kearyn Baccus has proven that he’s got a lot to offer but they’ll need someone on standby – considering that Siphelele Ntshangase hasn’t been part of coach Ernst Middendorp’s for the better part of the season.
PIRATES
GIVE it to Wayne Sandilands. He has been the pillar of Pirates’ defence, albeit his back four haven’t been consistent as they should have – especially for a team that was tipped for championship glory this season.
Sandilands is expected to extend his deal with the club, but getting competition from someone as Richard Ofori would boost the club’s goalkeeping department – especially considering that out-of-favour French goalie Joris Delle may not live to tell a happy ending after an underwhelming campaign.
Ofori, who’s a Ghanaian number one, has been making the headlines about a possible move from Maritzburg United especially with the top three said to be vying for his services.
SUNDOWNS
HAVING been the most successful team in South African football for the past seven seasons, there’s nothing that has really eluded the winning team.
However, coach Pitso Mosimane has always declared how his structure would be best suited around a No 9.
After the departure of Leonardo Castro, they acquired Mauricio Affonso who has, however, been injury prone for the better part of the season.
Club president Patrice Motsepe declared, during Mosimane’s contract renewal, that they are chasing two quality players who are currently plying their trade abroad. The Yellow Nation will be hopeful that those players are strikers that will fill in the void of a No 9.