Floor crossing galore in the PSL

Johannesburg - There seems to be a “free trade exchange” between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United, because players have crossed the floor through a number of seasons.

Last season, Marc van Heerden, James Okwuosa and Thembinkosi Lorch left Chippa for Pirates, with Menzi Masuku, Donald Mokondelela, Sello Japhta and Justice Chabalala going in the opposite direction.

Before then, the likes of Joseph Malongoane and William Twala started the cross-border movements from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape.

So it came as no surprise when goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo and Mahlatsi Makudubela joined this growing list after their move from Pirates this week.

In exchange, Chabalala returned from his loan-deal and Thamsanqa Sangweni has also joined the Buccaneers from the Chilly Boys.

This move should give Mhlongo a chance to redeem himself and fight for the Bafana jersey again after the poor season he has had at Pirates.

Mark Mayambela has also returned home to Chippa, two years after leaving them.

The much-travelled midfielder joins from Ajax Cape Town. Before then, he had featured for SuperSport United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic.

Baroka FC seem to have learnt from last season’s mistakes as they have now gone for international experience to bolster their squad.

They already have Tanzanian defender Abdi Banda, Zambian striker Lewis Macha and Zimbabwean winger Talent Chawapiwa on their books in a bid to improve on last season.

Bakgaga are reportedly assessing former Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows midfielder David Mathebula, after his contract with SuperSport United expired last month.

After parting ways with veteran midfielder Solomon Mathe, Platinum Stars have set their sights on Bafana Bafana midfielder Lehlogonolo Masalesa, who has returned from his short stint at Greek club AEL Larissa.

Celtic have also been busy in the market following their near-relegation experience last season. They have announced the arrival of strikers Ndumiso Mabena and Victor Letsoalo from Platinum Stars and Baroka, respectively, while Lucky Baloyi joins from Kaizer Chiefs.

Former Polokwane City midfielder Sipho Jembula has also been unveiled as a recruit.

Cape Town City have also not been shy in the player market.

Following the arrival of Ayanda Patosi and Teko Modise, the Citizens have agreed on a swap deal with Celtic, which sees Given Mashikinya join Phunya Sele Sele in exchange for fellow midfielder Lyle Lakay. They also acquired the services of former Milano defender Taariq Fielies.

Maritzburg United were not to be left behind, and announced the arrival of Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

With several weeks still to go in the transfer window period, clubs are expected to be busy in the market after assessing their squads in the preseason.