PSL: A look at the newest boots on the ground

A number of deals were completed on the final day of the window period, but while the signings that the clubs have made look good on paper, you never know how they are going to pan out.

The closing stages of the window period pulled out some surprises, notably Aubrey Modiba joining SuperSport United from Cape Town City, a few days after helping his club defeat Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 quarterfinals.

The most spectacular deal of the lot was a long time in the making. Following months of negotiations and twists and turns, Anele Ngcongca finally made the move to Chloorkop to link up with his former mentor at Bafana Bafana, Pitso Mosimane.

Judging by the kind of players they have acquired, Mamelodi Sundowns appear to have bought wisely.

While Ngcongca will fill the hole left by the departure of former captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele at right back, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento have already settled in at the Brazilians, judging by their debut last weekend.

This time around, Sundowns have not been extravagant on the market – they only bought five players, including Thapelo Morena, Lucky Mohomi and Yannick Zakri from Ivory Coast.

Homecomings

Ngcongca, the former defender at Belgian side Racing Genk, was not the only one to return to the country.

Erstwhile Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite also came home from Swedish side HK Hacken after one season.

And goalkeeper Darren Keet has returned to South Africa from his Belgian side KV Kortrijk. He has rejoined his former club Bidvest Wits, which he left in 2011.

Reunions

Mashamaite joins the likes of Morgan Gould, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Reyaad Pieterse. They have reunited with their former coach at Chiefs – Stuart Baxter – who is now the SuperSport United coach. Lehlohonolo Majoro and Tshepo Gumede have also reunited with their former mentor at Pirates, Eric Tinkler, who is now in charge of Cape Town City.

Return soldiers

Gould is not the only one to have gone back “home” to SuperSport – so has Sifiso Myeni, who has gone back to his roots by re-signing with Wits.

Platinum Stars boasts some returnees as well. Left-back Luvolwethu Mpeta has also reunited with his former teammates. He is on a season-long loan from SuperSport. Henrico Botes has also gone back home to Platinum Stars after turning out for Wits last season