A lot of hard work goes into building a championship winning team. It is crucial to have an excellent coach to lead the charge, but having a strong and cohesive team is fundamental too.
A lot of the time the transfer window is what allows clubs to build a championship winning side, and that has largely been the case with the Absa Premiership’s Big Three.
Here is how each club prepared for the PSL title race during the transfer windows.
Kaizer Chiefs
2012/13 – Stuart Baxter
The English coach’s arrival played a huge part in seeing the Amakhosi end their league drought, but it was also aided by some big name arrivals.
Morgan Gould, after having enjoyed a tremendous amount of success with SuperSport United, made the switch to Naturena for an estimated R6 million. Also arriving at the club during that transfer window was Siyabonga Nkosi, Siboniso Gaxa, Kingston Nkhatha, Eric Mathoho and Tsepo Masilela.
Their arrivals were crucial to the club taking home a double that season… To think, that was even without the likes of Reyaad Pieterse and Brilliant Khuzwayo stepping onto the field - despite having joined the club at the same time too.
Orlando Pirates
2010/11- Coach Ruud Krol
After having brought in Andile Jali, Ndumiso Mabena and Isaac Chansa the transfer window before, Pirates continue to build the club up and signed Rueben Cloete, Robyn Johannes, Clifford Ngobeni, Patrick Malokase, Mark Mayambela as well as Ezenwa Otorgu and Daine Klate.
Their arrivals, coupled with Krol’s amazing tactics, were integral to the club’s first treble success…. The next year, they strengthened even more and followed on from Krol’s good work.
2011/12 – Julio Leal, Augusto Palacios
Undeniably, the signature of Benni McCarthy was a huge swoop for Pirates. His presence played a major role in leading the club to more success, but he wasn’t the only big arrival.
Thabo Matlaba, Sameehg Doutie, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Sifiso Myeni, Tokelo Rantie and Siyabonga Sangweni were all part of the set-up too. To think they excelled even with Luis Boa Morte cutting his ties with the club prematurely.
Mamelodi Sundowns
2013/14 - Pitso Mosimane
Sundowns are notorious for spending money but the transfer window ahead of the 2013/14 season was a crucial one for Pitso Mosimane’s side. Bringing in close to 20 players to Chloorkop, Mosimane knew exactly what he needed to succeed.
A few big names that were crucial to the team’s title triumph were the likes of Dove Wome, Zambian legend Kennedy Mweene, Bryce Moon, Katlego Mashego, Bongani Zungu, Thabo Nthethe and Cuthbert Malajila.
It was Mosimane’s strength in depth that saw the Brazilians overtake Chiefs in the league race.
Each team proved savvy in the transfer market in their respective title wins, and it goes to show that a new squad of players can prove successful in their debut campaigns.
Which team do you think had the best transfer windows out of The Big Three?
