Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans often tell you that the first Soweto derby for the new Betway Premiership season starts in the transfer market before a ball is kicked. Don’t you agree?
The current transfer window has been open since 1 July, while the 2025/26 season kicks off on 8 August. The fierce rivals in Soweto have announced a combined 17 players so far.
Orlando Pirates are enjoying a vast 11-6 lead over Kaizer Chiefs. Here’s a quick look at the list of players each club has announced.
SOWETO DERBY IN THE TRANSFER MARKET
Official: Orlando Pirates have signed a new team (11 players)
The Buccaneers took an early, dramatic lead at the start. Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sipho Mbule was anticipated to join Amakhosi after his super agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed he had offered the 27-year-old midfield maestro to Kaizer Chiefs.
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While most Amakhosi followers waited for the deal to be finalised, one of the most dramatic transfer moments we’ve ever seen rocked social media.
Orlando Pirates suddenly announced Mbule as their first signing of the window. 24 hours later, the Buccaneers announced seven more signings to take a 7-0 lead over Kaizer Chiefs.
KAIZER CHIEFS RESPONSE
On July 1st, Amakhosi finally played their fanbase something to dance to. The club known as the Glamour Boys announced three new signings, and the score changed to 8-3.
Kaizer Chiefs then suffered an unexpected second crushing blow. Oswin Appollis (23), one of the most coveted wingers in South African football, was announced by Orlando Pirates from Polokwane City. The score switched to 9-3.
It was Kaizer Chiefs’ turn to respond. The Phefeni Glamour Boys announced former Orlando Pirates full-backs Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and later Siphesihle Ndlovu.
Just when Orlando Pirates fans felt the club was done, the Sea Robbers announced TS Galaxy’s superbly talented 22-year-old winger Kemogelo Sebelebele.
Meanwhile, the current transfer window is set to close on 22 September.
FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNINGS
- Tshepho Mashiloane, 23, right-back
- Nkosikhona Ndaba, 22, left-back
- Lebone Seema, 22, left-central defender
- Sihle Nduli, 29, central midfielder
- Masindi Nemtajela, 23, defensive midfielder
- Sipho Mbule, 27, central midfielder
- Tsepang Moremi, 24, winger
- Sinoxolo Kwayiba, 25, attacking midfielder
- Yanela Mbuthuma, 23, striker
- Oswin Appollis, 23, winger
- Kamogelo Sebelebele, 22, winger.
FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED KAIZER CHIEFS SIGNINGS
- Nkanyiso Shinga, 25, left-back
- Flavio Silva, 29, striker
- Ethan Chislett, 26, attacking midfielder
- Paseka Mako, 31, left-back
- Thabiso Monyane, 25, right-back
- Siphesihle Ndlovu, 28, central midfielder.
LAST SEASON’S TALE
As far as last season’s results on the pitch, the Buccaneers won the MTN8 and finished 12 points behind the league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The position booked Orlando Pirates a spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Despite finishing in ninth place, Kaizer Chiefs ended their decade-long trophy drought after beating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup. The championship sealed Amakhosi’s return to the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES BEFORE THE CLOSURE OF THE TRANSFER WINDOW IN SEPTEMBER?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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