The rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is no longer confined to the pitch. With both South African giants reshaping their squads, the transfer market has become another major battleground ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.
Pirates head into the season as defending champions after ending Sundowns’ remarkable eight-year reign at the top. Sundowns, meanwhile, have responded with a recruitment drive aimed at regaining their domestic crown.
The two clubs have followed very different strategies.
Sundowns Target Experience and Immediate Impact
Mamelodi Sundowns have added seven players, with their recruitment largely focused on experience, versatility and players capable of competing for first-team places immediately.
Cassius Mailula, 25, returns to Sundowns from Toronto FC after previously making his breakthrough at the club. His return gives the champions another attacking option with knowledge of the Sundowns system.
Siyanda Ndlovu, 22, arrives from Lamontville Golden Arrows and offers pace and attacking potential, while Antonio van Wyk, 24, joins from SV Ried in Austria after gaining experience in Europe.
Sundowns have also made Katlego Ntsabeleng’s move from FC Dallas permanent. The 28-year-old provides additional depth in midfield and attack.
One of the biggest talking points is Deano Van Rooyen, 29, who has crossed the divide after previously playing for Orlando Pirates. His domestic experience could prove valuable to Sundowns.
Thabo Cele, 29, adds further experience and physicality to the midfield after his move from Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns are also set to bring in Thabang Matuludi, 27, from Polokwane City. The right-back was reportedly also a target for Pirates, making his arrival another significant win for Sundowns in the transfer race.
Pirates Take the Youth Route
Orlando Pirates have taken a broader approach, bringing in 12 players and placing considerable emphasis on youth, squad depth and long-term development.
Among their arrivals are Sbangani Zulu, 23, from Richards Bay, and a group of young attacking and midfield players recruited from various clubs.
Bohlale Ngwato, 20, Neo Rapoo, 20, and Aphiwe Baliti, 24, are among the players arriving from Siwelele FC, although Baliti has been loaned back to the club for the season.
Pirates have also added Ghampani Lungu, 27, Bheki Mabuza, 23, Matome Mmolai, 22, Thapelo Mokobodi, 23, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, 25, to strengthen their attacking and midfield options.
International experience comes in the form of Sebastian Pedersen, 27, from Sogndal in Norway, while Mohau Nkota, 21, arrives on loan from Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Kabelo Kgositsile, 21, completes the recruitment drive, giving Pirates another young winger to develop.
Sundowns vs Pirates: Who Recruited Better?
On paper, Sundowns appear to have prioritised quality and immediate competition for starting positions, while Pirates have opted for quantity and potential.
Sundowns’ additions of Mailula, Van Wyk, Van Rooyen and Cele bring experience that could help them challenge for the title straight away.
Pirates, on the other hand, appear to be building with the future in mind. Their larger recruitment class gives them more depth while also providing opportunities to develop younger talent.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the window is the direct competition between the two clubs.
Sundowns reportedly beat Pirates to the signatures of Siyanda Ndlovu and Thabang Matuludi, while Pirates managed to secure Deano Van Rooyen, who eventually made the move in the opposite direction.
That makes the transfer market an extension of one of South Africa’s biggest football rivalries.
With Pirates aiming to defend their title and Sundowns determined to reclaim it, these signings could play a decisive role in the Betway Premiership title race.
The real question now is simple: did Sundowns recruit for another title, or have Pirates built the squad capable of keeping them at the top?
