Teams return to action this weekend after the FIFA international window, some in the Betway Premiership and others in the CAF Interclub competitions.
It is a good moment then to reflect on new signs and who have made an impact at their clubs.
Given that Orlando Pirates were the most active team in the last transfer window, and bought a bucketload of stylish players, it is no surprise that they have three of the best five buys this season.
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
It seems criminal now how many cubs turned down the chance to sign Appollis a few seasons back, but if Polokwane City made a handsome fee from selling him to Pirates, they deserve every penny for taking a gamble on a talent that initially looked to miss the boat. The 24-year-old, however, has bounced back and taken his opportunity with both hands.
Isaac Cisse (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
The signing from the Ivory Coast looks a little older than is claimed and a lot more polished than one would expect from a 19-year-old. His work rate has been impressive, but even more so the goals he has netted against Stellenbosch and Marumo Gallants.
Bradley Grobler (Sekhukhune United)
The veteran scorer was at the end of his contract with SuperSport United and, given the uncertainty around the sale of the club, was delighted to take up an offer from Eric Tinkler at Sekhukhune United. Given his injury history, it was a gamble, but Grobler’s new employers have been paid back already with six league goals and the prospect of more to come.
Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
In Pirates’ first outings of the new season, Moremi was confined to the bench, but after he got onto the pitch and quickly displayed his ability, there was no turning back. An extra-time double in the MTN8 final in mid-September helped Pirates secure this season’s first piece of silverware, and he scored the goal against Marumo Gallants that put them into the Carling Knockout decider.
Kamohelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Signed from TS Galaxy later than the rest of the Pirates’ new season acquisitions, he made an instant impact with goals against Mamelodi Sundowns in both legs of the MTN8 semi-final. Admittedly, he has since lost his place in the Bucs’ starting line-up, but his contribution has already proven invaluable for the Buccaneers.
