NOW that the dust has settled and the Premier Soccer League transfer window has closed, the big winners were champions Mamelodi Sundowns and their Tshwane neighbours SuperSport United, who have made the biggest signings.
Matsatsantsa scooped tough-as-teak former Kaizer Chiefs central defender Tefu Mashamaite from Swedish club BK Hacken on Tuesday and on Wednesday signed highly rated 21-year-old midfielder Aubrey Modiba from Cape Town City on a four-year deal.
Head coach Stuart Baxter is building a formidable squad for the new season, with stalwarts Morgan Gould and Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane already on board.
Modiba moved to United in what could be seen as a partial swap deal, with former SA Under-20 defender Thato Mokeke joining Cape Town City. SunSport understands that John Comitis’ CT City wanted to sign Mokeke, while Stan Matthews wanted Modiba.
Modiba is on duty with Bafana Bafana ahead of their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania at Mbombela Stadium tonight.
Said Baxter yesterday: “I have had my eye on Modiba for some time. I’m absolutely delighted to sign him. He was one of the best players for South Africa at the recent Olympic Games in Rio and there is much more to come from him. He is one for the future.”
Modiba first started to shine at Mpumalanga Black Aces under coach Muhsin Erugral last season. He had to relocate to Cape Town when businessman John Comitis bought Aces’ franchise, moved them to the Cape and changed the name to Cape Town City.
He impressed in CT City’s first two matches – both wins – this season. CT City beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the first Absa Premiership game and then defeated Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinals last weekend.
- Downs made two marquee signings, Bafana right-back Anele Ngcongca and Bidvest Wits star Sibusiso Vilakazi. Head coach Pitso Mosimane also signed Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento and Ivory Coast playmaker Yannick Zakri from Asec Mimosas as he builds a squad able to retain the Absa Premiership title and conquer Africa.
