The majority of PSL clubs spent big money in the transfer market this season hoping that their acquisitions would be worth the price tags and salaries.
Goal takes a look at some of the big-money flops and worthy signings from last season across the PSL.
Different players struggle for various reasons and here is our pick of those who struggled to make any impact in no particular order.
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Worst Signings
Anele Ngcongca (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The highly experienced defender was snapped up by the Brazilians after not renewing his contract with Belgian side Racing Genk.
However, injuries hampered his progress and he was rather lacklustre in the few matches that he featured in. The 29-year-old featured 15 times in all competitions, but played only four full matches [90 minutes].
Keagan Buchanan (Kaizer Chiefs)
Buchanan was one of the most sought-after players in the league after news broke that Bloemfontein Celtic were not going to retain him. The diminutive midfielder had been out of action for more than six months when Chiefs snatched him and still needed rehabilitation to recover fully. He hasn't really produced the same performances that made him prominent at Celtic. He managed seven appearances this season, six in the league and one in the Telkom Knockout Cup without finding the back of the net.
Gallo
Lebogang Mokoena (Ajax Cape Town)
Having endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines at Sundowns, the majority of football fans expected to see him more on the pitch for the Urban Warriors, but after Roger de Sa’s departure, the 31-year-old was reduced to a spectator and only made six appearances for the club.
Sello Japhta (Chippa United from Orlando Pirates)
Highly impressive for Free State Stars prior to his move to Orlando Pirates, Japhta was also sought after by many clubs before signing with Pirates. He struggled to break into the team at Pirates and was loaned out to Chippa where he only managed a mere four appearances.
Mahlatse Makudubela (Orlando Pirates)
Another player who struggled to break into the team at Pirates. Makudubela only made six appearances and is rumored to be heading for the exit.
Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs)
After making an impressive start to his life at Amakhosi with that glancing header in the Carling Cup during the off-season, Macha, despite being given a chance to prove his worth, failed to live up to expectations, and as a result, left Steve Komphela with no choice but to bench him.
Now, let's take a look at the players who impressed the most for their new clubs this season...
Best Signings
Aboubakar Mobara (Pirates)
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The 23-year-old arrived alongside Riyaad Norodien from Ajax Cape Town, and although the same cannot be said about Norodien, he has been a livewire of a disappointing Pirates team this season. His versatility often saw him deputise in distinct roles including central midfield, right, and centre-backs. He has also been included in the latest Bafana Bafana squad.
Thabang Monare (Bidvest Wits)
Very few people saw the quality that Gavin Hunt noticed when Monare appeared 22 times for Jomo Cosmos in the 2016/2016 season, but his 31 appearances for newly-crowned Wits have him earned the plaudits from those who might have doubted his ability as a player.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs)
Rama was considered Amakhosi's marquee signing following his decision to switch allegiance. The full-back hit the ground running, and he was undoubtedly one of the pillars in that squad despite their failure to win silverware this season.
Rodney Ramagalela (Polokwane City)
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Discarded by Mamelodi Sundowns upon his return from a loan spell with Golden Arrows, Ramagalela was a consistent performer for City as he started 29 of the club's 30 league games and found the back of the net on 10 occasions as City rounded off their impressive campaign with a top eight finish.
The 28-year-old was unfortunate to miss out on a spot in Bafana Bafana's latest squad given his impressive campaign. He also grabbbed four assists.
Gustavo Paez (Kaizer Chiefs)
The South American frontman found himself under pressure even before he could be unleashed at the start of the second half of the season, but Paez stepped up to the plate and showed his true mettle with five strikes in all competitions for the Naturena-based club.
Dove Wome (Orlando Pirates)
Despite only joining the Buccaneers in the January transfer window, the Togolese forward adapted quickly to his new surroundings, and became a big-match player at the Soweto-based club. The 25-year-old netted all his four goals at Pirates, and it is for this reason Kjell Jonevret wants to retain his services beyond June this year.
Joseph Molangoane (Kaizer Chiefs)
The speedy winger fitted like a hand in a glove at the Glamour Boys despite arriving toward to the end of the season due to off-field issues with previous employers Chippa United. Molangoane was directly involved in six goals (four strikes and two assists) in 21 matches for Chiefs.
Thato Mokeke (Cape Town City)
The SuperSport United loanee enjoyed his best football under Eric Tinkler. After leaving Ajax Cape Town three seasons ago, Mokeke joined United but injuries held him back.
United’s interest in National U/23’s RIO Olympics star Aubrey Modiba saw them loan Mokeke to the new Cape side and the 26-year-old flourished across a number of positions. Mokeke played at left-back, left midfield, central midfield for the Citizens, while he made a total of 31 appearances in all competitions this season.
