The transfer window is barely open, but the country’s biggest football institutions are executing a ruthless winter pruning. Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have collectively cleared out a staggering 11 players—effectively offloading a full starting XI worth of talent ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
While Orlando Pirates lead the league in structural business with eight outgoings and eight new arrivals, Kaizer Chiefs are just beginning an extensive tactical overhaul under incoming French head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
The Soweto Exit Door: Confirmed Departures
The Buccaneers have been far more aggressive in trimming their payroll in Mayfair, while Naturena’s clean-out is expected to accelerate over the coming weeks as Da Cruz formats his final pre-season traveling squad.
Confirmed Exits
| Club | Player Departures |
| Kaizer Chiefs | Aden McCarthy, George Matlou, Happy Mashiane |
| Orlando Pirates | Sipho Mbule, Thabiso Lebitso, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandile Shandu, Karim Kimvuidi, Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto), Gomolemo Khoza, Siyabonga Ndlozi |
Naturena Rumor Mill: Amakhosi insiders indicate this is just the tip of the iceberg. Heavyweights like Fiacre Ntwari and veteran attacker Gastón Sirino are widely tipped to follow Mashiane and Matlou out of the Naturena exit doors very soon.
Transfer Window Comparison: Bucs In Overdrive
While Pirates manager Jose Riveiro has been handed an entirely refreshed war chest with eight new faces, Chiefs have taken a far more measured approach—securing just a single signature so far.
- Orlando Pirates (8 Signings): Siyanda Ndlovu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphier Baliti, and Matome Mmolai.
- Kaizer Chiefs (1 Signing): Thabo Moloisane (signed from Stellenbosch FC).
The R16 Million Tug-of-War
Amakhosi are desperate to add firepower and recently launched a audacious player-plus-cash trade offer for Stellenbosch FC’s electric winger Langelihle Phili. However, the Cape Winelands side flatly ignored (“blue-ticked”) the proposal and slapped a massive R16 million price tag on their prized asset.
