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Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates) and Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) 16-9GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Iqraam Rayners, Deano van Rooyen, Glody Lilepo & the top 10 signings of the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League season - Ranked!

The league campaign wasn’t just a showcase of football’s finest talent, it was also a testament to the power of smart recruitment.

In a season that saw dramatic title races, long-standing droughts finally broken and emerging stars seizing their moment, the spotlight often fell on new arrivals who wasted no time in making their mark. 

Whether they were marquee signings from abroad or local talents returning home, these ten players reshaped the narrative of the season with clutch performances, leadership and undeniable flair. From game-changing goals to anchoring defences and inspiring comebacks, their impact was felt across the league.

Here, GOAL ranks the ten most influential signings of the season, the players who truly moved the needle for their clubs when it mattered most.

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  • Rushwin Dortley, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2024Backpagepix

    10Rushwin Dortley – Kaizer Chiefs

    One of the most reliable young defenders, Dortley slotted seamlessly into Chiefs’ backline. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, he quickly became a key figure in defence.

    However, his progress was halted by a setback that required knee surgery in the latter stages of the season, ruling him out of action. Despite the injury, Chiefs’ investment in the talented defender appears to be a smart long-term move, with his performances showing promise for the future.

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  • Thabo Cele, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    9Thabo Cele – Kaizer Chiefs

    Back from Europe and straight into the heart of the Amakhosi midfield, Cele added structure, vision and composure. 

    His ability to control the tempo and shield the defence gave Chiefs the midfield balance they desperately needed in a season of rebuilding and revival.

  • Gaston Sirino, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    8Gaston Sirino – Kaizer Chiefs

    His move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Chiefs raised eyebrows, but Sirino proved he still had magic in his boots. 

    Despite injury setbacks, his nine goal contributions - including a vital goal in the Nedbank Cup final - were crucial in ending Chiefs’ long trophy drought.


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  • Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2025.BackPagePix

    7Jayden Adams – Mamelodi Sundowns

    Adams brought calm, control and maturity beyond his years. With smooth distribution and tactical awareness, he became a dependable force in the Sundowns midfield, influencing games without always needing the spotlight.

  • Keletso Makgalwa, Sekhukhune United

    6Keletso Makgalwa – Sekhukhune United

    The league’s assist leader with 11, Makgalwa, also chipped in with six goals across all competitions, proving himself a top-tier playmaker. He became Sekhukhune’s creative engine and exceeded all expectations.

  • Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns, April 2025Backpage

    5Arthur Sales – Mamelodi Sundowns

    After a slow start, the Brazilian forward exploded into form late in the season, tallying eight goals and eight assists. His creative link-up play and growing confidence made him a key part of Sundowns’ title run-in.

  • Glody Lilepo, Kaizer Chiefs, May 2025Backpage

    4Glody Lilepo – Kaizer Chiefs

    Signed in the dying days of the January window, Lilepo delivered with flair and end product. His six league goals in 14 appearances helped Chiefs in crucial moments and his fearlessness in attack was a breath of fresh air.

  • TS Galaxy striker Dzenan ZajmovicBackpage

    3Dzenan Zajmovic – TS Galaxy

    Zajmović gave Galaxy a reliable and consistent scoring threat. His 12 goals across all competitions (eight in the league) made him one of the most effective forwards in the league. 

    A signing that added real firepower to Galaxy’s campaign.

  • Deano van Rooyen, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    2Deano van Rooyen – Orlando Pirates

    Van Rooyen brought steel and consistency to the Pirates' right-back role. His work ethic and defensive discipline were vital as Pirates pushed deep into the Caf Champions League and fought for domestic honours. A solid investment that paid off.

  • Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage

    1Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns

    Rayners repaid the faith that his employers had when they signed him with 14 goals and 9 assists in the league. He is a lethal, dynamic and decisive player and a dream signing who added to Sundowns’ attack.

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