The South African football winter has taken a dramatic turn in 2025, with an unprecedented wave of player exits rocking the Betway Premiership.
More than 50 players have already been released by just six top flight clubs, and with weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, that number is expected to climb even higher. The Siya crew has dug into the reasons behind this alarming trend.
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Trusted Siya sources reveal that the mass clear-outs are not just routine squad refreshes, but a sign of deeper issues in how many clubs manage their recruitment and planning. Insiders say too many teams sign players in bulk without a clear plan, leading to bloated squads and inevitable end-of-season culls.
The result? Clubs are caught in a cycle of rebuilding, with little stability year on year.
One agent explained how reactive recruitment leaves clubs with players who don’t fit the system, only to be let go months later. This short-term approach damages team morale, disrupts cohesion, and can ruin careers—especially for younger players who struggle to find consistent opportunities.
The use of one-year contracts and constant trialists only compounds the problem, creating a revolving door of signings and departures.
The numbers paint a worrying picture: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu, Marumo Gallants, and Chippa United have already parted ways with dozens of players between them. AmaZulu and Chippa United alone account for nearly 50 exits.
Yet clubs like Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC stand out as examples of stability, thanks to strategic recruitment and clear long-term plans.
If South African clubs want to build lasting success, experts warn they must end the cycle of mass exits and start prioritising thoughtful recruitment, proper squad planning, and player development. Until then, the PSL risks seeing the same pattern repeat itself season after season.
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