01 Aug 2013 9:40:00 AM
In July, Kaizer Chiefs secured the return of Knowledge Musona on loan, while Orlando Pirates captured the signing of Kermit Erasmus during a busy month of transfer action. In the second month of the transfer window, Kaizer Chiefsand Orlando Piratesmade decisive signings in preparation for the 2013-2014 PSL campaign.
Other major signings were made by clubs like AmaZulu, Platinum Stars and Free State Stars, while Mpumalanga Black Aces brought in 18 players in an attempt to forge a side capable of competing in the top-flight.
Here is Goal South Africa's selection of seven transfers, which we believe will be influential during each sides' upcoming PSL season.
KNOWLEDGE MUSONA - KAIZER CHIEFS
Musona left his mark in South Africa before moving to Germany in 2011, where he joined 1899 Hoffenheim. In two seasons, Musona scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, quickly becoming a fan favourite at Naturena.
The Zimbabwean international’s move to Germany proved to be disastrous, as the young striker only made a handful of appearances for Hoffenheim and later FC Augsburg. A return to Chiefs on loan could be viewed as the ideal opportunity for Musona to re-discover the form and the spark which initially caught the attention of the Bundesliga three years ago.
Already making an impression during pre-season training and friendlies, Musona may be Chiefs’ trump card once again, as they seek to defend their PSL title and challenge on the continental stage.
KERMIT ERASMUS - ORLANDO PIRATES
Erasmus eventually joined Orlando Pirates this month after attracting interest from Chiefs, Sundowns and the Buccaneers. Undoubtedly a talented forward, Erasmus has yet to stamp his authority on the local scene and will view a place in Pirates’ squad as the perfect opportunity to do so.
Pirates have desperately been seeking improvement in the striking department, after a barren season in terms of goals. Erasmus will provide another element to their attacking line-up and has already shown proficiency in combining with Daine Klate during the Soweto derby.
Erasmus’ raw talent needs to be refined by Pirates’ coaching staff, and the player will hope he is utilised more regularly, after garnering a reputation as more of an impact player at previous club SuperSport United.
LENNOX BACELA - ORLANDO PIRATES
Benni McCarthy’s retirement was possibly the reason behind Pirates securing the services of Bloemfontein Celtic’s Bacela, who is a strong target man with an impressive record in the PSL. Not a goal machine, Bacela is an effective lone striker, with the ability to hold up possession and provide Roger de Sa with another option up-front.
Despite many Pirates fans’ qualms with the transfer, Bacela was always highly-regarded by Celtic supporters, and had proven himself on more than one occasion for Siwelele.
Bacela lifted the Telkom Knockout last season and will be seeking more silverware at the Buccaneers, where he will be playing under enormous pressure to perform.
MOHAMMAD AWAL ISSAH - AMAZULU
The powerful defensive midfielder should help Craig Rosslee's side perform above expectations. AmaZulu controversially re-signed the Ghanaian during July, with his previous club Rosenborg claiming that Awal was still contracted to them.
AmaZulu’s disappointing performance in the 2012-2013 season was down to a leaky defensive ship, which let in over 30 goals. Awal, known for his large frame, height and equally strong tackling, should help Usuthu to keep more clean sheets next season.
DANIEL AGYEI - FREE STATE STARS
Free State Stars, seeking a replacement for star keeperKennedy Mweene, have made an exciting acquisition in the form of Ghanaian international Daniel Agyei. The former Liberty Professionals shot-stopper attracted Ela la Kotla due to his age and talent and has already made the grade at international level for the Black Stars.
The 23-year-old keeper impressed in theGhana Premier League and is a regular starter for Ghana during 2014 World Cup qualification. He should serve as an effective no.1 for Steve Komphela and will only develophis talents the longer he plays on the international stage.
ABIA NALE - MPUMALANGA BLACK ACES
An experienced campaigner, Nale has the potential to be an influential player at any PSL club. A loan move to Mpumalanga Black Aces, under the tutelage of Clive Barker, should suit the 26-year-old, who has failed to regain the form he displayed for Chiefs during his four year stint at Naturena.
The transfer brings more quality to Clive Barker’s AmaZanyoni, who have already signed another seventeen players during the transfer window, in an attempt to stay in the South African top-flight for another season. Nale will merely need consistent game time before he is back to his best, and Barker will cherish his experience in Aces’ young squad.
TAKESURE CHINYAMA - PLATINUM STARS
Platinum Stars, seeking to replace a host of talent which has moved to other clubs during the off-season, signed Zimbabwean international striker Chinyama towards the end of July. The powerfully-built 30-year-old has European experience from plying his trade in the Polish league with Legia Warszawa, where he scored a goal every two games.
Chinyama was only handed fifteen starts at Orlando Pirates last season, netting three goals. He should be top of the pecking order at Platinum Stars and will relishthe chance to be named in Dikwena’s starting XI every week. Undoubtedly a strong target man, Chinyama should help to keep Platinum Stars’ momentum moving forward into the new season
In July, Kaizer Chiefs secured the return of Knowledge Musona on loan, while Orlando Pirates captured the signing of Kermit Erasmus during a busy month of transfer action. In the second month of the transfer window, Kaizer Chiefsand Orlando Piratesmade decisive signings in preparation for the 2013-2014 PSL campaign.
Other major signings were made by clubs like AmaZulu, Platinum Stars and Free State Stars, while Mpumalanga Black Aces brought in 18 players in an attempt to forge a side capable of competing in the top-flight.
Here is Goal South Africa's selection of seven transfers, which we believe will be influential during each sides' upcoming PSL season.
KNOWLEDGE MUSONA - KAIZER CHIEFS
Musona left his mark in South Africa before moving to Germany in 2011, where he joined 1899 Hoffenheim. In two seasons, Musona scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs, quickly becoming a fan favourite at Naturena.
The Zimbabwean international’s move to Germany proved to be disastrous, as the young striker only made a handful of appearances for Hoffenheim and later FC Augsburg. A return to Chiefs on loan could be viewed as the ideal opportunity for Musona to re-discover the form and the spark which initially caught the attention of the Bundesliga three years ago.
Already making an impression during pre-season training and friendlies, Musona may be Chiefs’ trump card once again, as they seek to defend their PSL title and challenge on the continental stage.
KERMIT ERASMUS - ORLANDO PIRATES
Erasmus eventually joined Orlando Pirates this month after attracting interest from Chiefs, Sundowns and the Buccaneers. Undoubtedly a talented forward, Erasmus has yet to stamp his authority on the local scene and will view a place in Pirates’ squad as the perfect opportunity to do so.
Pirates have desperately been seeking improvement in the striking department, after a barren season in terms of goals. Erasmus will provide another element to their attacking line-up and has already shown proficiency in combining with Daine Klate during the Soweto derby.
Erasmus’ raw talent needs to be refined by Pirates’ coaching staff, and the player will hope he is utilised more regularly, after garnering a reputation as more of an impact player at previous club SuperSport United.
LENNOX BACELA - ORLANDO PIRATES
Benni McCarthy’s retirement was possibly the reason behind Pirates securing the services of Bloemfontein Celtic’s Bacela, who is a strong target man with an impressive record in the PSL. Not a goal machine, Bacela is an effective lone striker, with the ability to hold up possession and provide Roger de Sa with another option up-front.
Despite many Pirates fans’ qualms with the transfer, Bacela was always highly-regarded by Celtic supporters, and had proven himself on more than one occasion for Siwelele.
Bacela lifted the Telkom Knockout last season and will be seeking more silverware at the Buccaneers, where he will be playing under enormous pressure to perform.
MOHAMMAD AWAL ISSAH - AMAZULU
The powerful defensive midfielder should help Craig Rosslee's side perform above expectations. AmaZulu controversially re-signed the Ghanaian during July, with his previous club Rosenborg claiming that Awal was still contracted to them.
AmaZulu’s disappointing performance in the 2012-2013 season was down to a leaky defensive ship, which let in over 30 goals. Awal, known for his large frame, height and equally strong tackling, should help Usuthu to keep more clean sheets next season.
DANIEL AGYEI - FREE STATE STARS
Free State Stars, seeking a replacement for star keeperKennedy Mweene, have made an exciting acquisition in the form of Ghanaian international Daniel Agyei. The former Liberty Professionals shot-stopper attracted Ela la Kotla due to his age and talent and has already made the grade at international level for the Black Stars.
The 23-year-old keeper impressed in theGhana Premier League and is a regular starter for Ghana during 2014 World Cup qualification. He should serve as an effective no.1 for Steve Komphela and will only develophis talents the longer he plays on the international stage.
ABIA NALE - MPUMALANGA BLACK ACES
An experienced campaigner, Nale has the potential to be an influential player at any PSL club. A loan move to Mpumalanga Black Aces, under the tutelage of Clive Barker, should suit the 26-year-old, who has failed to regain the form he displayed for Chiefs during his four year stint at Naturena.
The transfer brings more quality to Clive Barker’s AmaZanyoni, who have already signed another seventeen players during the transfer window, in an attempt to stay in the South African top-flight for another season. Nale will merely need consistent game time before he is back to his best, and Barker will cherish his experience in Aces’ young squad.
TAKESURE CHINYAMA - PLATINUM STARS
Platinum Stars, seeking to replace a host of talent which has moved to other clubs during the off-season, signed Zimbabwean international striker Chinyama towards the end of July. The powerfully-built 30-year-old has European experience from plying his trade in the Polish league with Legia Warszawa, where he scored a goal every two games.
Chinyama was only handed fifteen starts at Orlando Pirates last season, netting three goals. He should be top of the pecking order at Platinum Stars and will relishthe chance to be named in Dikwena’s starting XI every week. Undoubtedly a strong target man, Chinyama should help to keep Platinum Stars’ momentum moving forward into the new season
