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Sipho Mbule of Orlando Pirates, Tlhopie Motsepe of Mamelodi Sundowns & Flavio Silva 16-9GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

PSL 2025/26 transfer window winners & losers: Sipho Mbule resurrects career at Orlando Pirates, while Mamelodi Sundowns lose Lucas Ribeiro amidst legal battle

From blockbuster arrivals to messy departures, the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League transfer window had it all. Amakhosi made a statement, the Buccaneers reloaded and Masandawana were rocked by the Ribeiro saga.

The Premier Soccer League never sleeps and the 2025/26 transfer window proved it. From blockbuster arrivals to unexpected exits, every move told a story. For Kaizer Chiefs, it was about reclaiming pride. Meanwhile for Orlando Pirates, it was about loading up for a title charge. And for Mamelodi Sundowns, it was about weathering a storm they didn’t see coming.   

Beyond the “Big Three,” provincial sides sharpened their squads, while some coaches and clubs found themselves left behind. 

With the dust settled, GOAL takes a look at the winners and losers of the 2025/26 PSL transfer window.

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  • Inacio Miguel & Khanyisa Mayo, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Kaizer Chiefs

    Winner: Kaizer Chiefs

    For the first time in years, Chiefs looked like serious players in the transfer market. The Glamour Boys moved decisively, bringing in a blend of defensive reinforcements and creative sparks to power Amakhosi's plans. It wasn’t just about adding bodies; it was about adding the right ones with 11 new additions, including striker Flavio Silva who seems to be finding his footing, while fans await Khanyisa Mayo's appearance in the Black & Gold.

    After missing out on the MTN8, Chiefs had to show ambition. This window sent a clear message: no more playing second fiddle. With the new signings bedding in, Amakhosi are suddenly right back in the mix for top honours and their fans finally have reason to dream again. 

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  • Steve Barker, Stellenbosch FC, 2025Backpage

    Loser: Stellenbosch

    Stellenbosch FC endured a bruising transfer window, losing several pillars of their squad. The Cape Winelands outfit saw dynamic midfielder Sihle Nduli depart for Orlando Pirates, while former captain Fawaaz Basadien made the high-profile switch to Mamelodi Sundowns. In total, eight players exited the club, leaving only Kyle Jurgens temporarily retained via a loan to Durban City.

    Despite the exodus, Stellies have attempted to rebuild, bringing in five new signings. Among them is promising talent Vuyolwethu Andrieas, who earned a promotion from their Diski team. However, the scale of their losses raises questions about squad depth and cohesion for the remainder of the season. 


  • Abdeslam Ouaddou GFX GOAL

    Winner: Orlando Pirates

    The Buccaneers weren’t shy this window. A flood of new signings across the pitch gave new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou fresh tools and fierce competition for places. Pirates fans had been calling for ambition, and the club answered - loudly.

    This wasn’t a panic spree, either. It was strategic: bolstering depth for CAF Champions League and keeping the squad sharp for a title run. With Sundowns wobbling, Pirates have positioned themselves perfectly to pounce. For the Sea Robbers, this could be the season where words finally turn into silverware. 

  • Monnapule Saleng, Orbit College, September 2025Backpage

    Loser: Orbit College FC

    Orbit College FC’s baptism into the Premier Soccer League has been anything but smooth. The newcomers have struggled to find their footing, losing five of their opening seven league matches, a worrying trend that highlights the challenges of competing at this level. Despite bringing in notable names like Monnapule Saleng and securing fellow loanees such as Yanga Madiba from Orlando Pirates, the squad lacks the depth and experience needed to thrive in the PSL.

    Their recruitment strategy leans heavily on players from lower-tier sides - Lerumo Lions and Hungry Lions FC, raising questions about whether these additions can handle the intensity of top-flight football. Meanwhile, the exits of seasoned campaigners further weaken their spine. For a club trying to establish itself among South Africa’s elite, Orbit’s early stumbles suggest a long, uphill battle ahead. 

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates MTN8 2025Backpage

    Winner: Sipho Mbule

    Mbule has scripted a remarkable comeback at Orlando Pirates, silencing critics who had all but written him off. After a turbulent spell marked by inconsistency and off-field concerns, Mbule has rediscovered his spark in the heart of the Buccaneers' midfield. 

    His vision, composure and ability to dictate tempo have made him indispensable, with standout performances that reflect a player reborn. Once seen as a cautionary tale, Mbule is now a symbol of resilience - proving that talent, when matched with discipline and the right environment, can reignite even the dimmest flame.  

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns Backpage

    Loser: Mamelodi Sundowns

    Just when it seemed Sundowns were untouchable, chaos arrived. Lucas Ribeiro, last season’s Footballer of the Year and Golden Boot winner, stunned the club by terminating his contract, citing “just cause.” The fallout has gone global - a FIFA Tribunal case is pending, while Ribeiro has already signed a one-year deal with Spanish side Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.

    The numbers tell their own story: 37 goals and 23 assists in 88 league matches for Sundowns. Losing a player of that calibre, and in such messy circumstances, is a huge blow to Miguel Cardoso’s plans. Rival clubs smell blood, and while Masandawana still boast depth, this saga has shaken their aura of invincibility.