All quiet on the transfer front

The new signings bring some excitement. But this time it is rather a little dull.

Had it not been for Orlando Pirates who have made significant additions to their already good side, the fans would be bored out of their skulls. The Afcon in Egypt is also helping but I have a feeling that from today we will hardly be talking about the tournament. Bafana have given us very little to be excited about as it is and went into their game last evening with their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 pretty slim.

You can read the report on the match on the back page of the main paper because we could not carry it here due to deadline issues. Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have been rather quiet on the transfer market and that is why there is a lull.

And with just little over three weeks before the new season kicks off, I doubt there will be any major signings happening with the two giants. Amakhosi added little known Ghanaian midfielder, James Kotei last week. His signing however failed to win them any new fans as almost everyone ran to Google to try and find out who he is and where he had been before.

There is however still time for them to make signings and there are talks going around that they are negotiating with Ugandan striker Emmanuel Okwi who has scored two times in three matches at Afcon.

As you can find out on Page 12, Sundowns are closing in on Uruguayan striker, Mauricio Affonso whose record in the last year and a half suggests he may be a big catch for Pitso Mosimane’s side who already have an enviable arsenal.

Pirates fans are the ones who are walking tall these days with their team having added eight quality players and released close to 10. The signings have given their fans reason to believe that “Zizojika izinto” (the tide will turn) as the popular song goes.

Micho will definitely have a headache when he selects his starting team in their opening game at Orlando Stadium in a month’s time. On page 12, we delve deeper into what these signings might mean for the once mighty Buccaneers.

Like any coach would tell you, having the playing personnel that Pirates and Sundowns have is a dream because it ensures competition for positions is enhanced as everyone wants to play. Pirates have done good business but like their boss Irvin Khoza said last week, that is no guarantee for success as the players are like ingredients that will still need to be mixed together to get the best result. Micho has been cooking for two years now and the time for him to dish up has come.

We also spoke to National First Division (NFD) side, Uthongathi FC’s coach Johnny Ferreira who has an interesting take on how his team should play. He is adamant that his team will not be usurped into the “smash and grab” kind of football that teams in this division usually employ. He has his own philosophy which focuses on ball retention as he believes that South African players are at their happiest when they have ball at their feet.

He wants them to continue playing that way but insists that he will instil a winning mentality into them to ensure they reach their ultimate goal which is promotion.

We also have all your favourite regulars like the One on One with one time Amakhosi target, Thabang Monare and he gives his side of the story on that matter. He is one of the players whose exclusion from the current Bafana squad raised eyebrows.

Former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder, Kleinbooi Taaibos talks about the wise investments he made while he was playing that have helped him live above the poverty lines now that he is retired in our Legends Corner.

Stanton Fredericks is still unavailable for his column due to his commentary commitments and Jonty Mark gets to have his say in the On the Ball column this week. Enjoy the read.

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