Kaizer Chiefs have made a series of additions aimed at closing the gap on Orlando Pirates, but both Soweto clubs have strengthened their squads ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.
Chiefs are determined to challenge Pirates for the league title, and their recruitment has focused largely on improving squad depth while planning for the future. Their most notable move was the permanent signing of Khanyisa Mayo from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee of about R9.8 million, following his previous loan spell at the club.
The Glamour Boys have also brought in Adolf Mtasingwa from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder is the first Tanzanian player to join Amakhosi.
Mtasingwa arrives with extensive experience from abroad, having spent six seasons playing in Scandinavia across the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish leagues. He returned to Tanzania in 2024 and helped Azam FC finish third in the country’s league last season. He is also vice-captain of the Tanzania national team.
At the back, Chiefs have signed central defender Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch. Moloisane became a regular for an impressive Stellenbosch side and can also fill in at right-back when required, giving Chiefs another versatile defensive option.
Kaizer Chiefs have further strengthened their goalkeeping department with the arrival of Renaldo Leaner from Sekhukhune. The 28-year-old, who stands 1.87m tall, has been capped by Bafana and is expected to provide greater competition for a place between the posts.
There is also growing expectation that 21-year-old Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili will join Chiefs, although that move has not yet been confirmed.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, have taken a different approach by bringing in a number of younger players. Their new arrivals include Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai.
The departure of Rele Mofokeng left Pirates needing a signing capable of making a statement. Christian Pedersen has been brought in with that expectation, although it remains uncertain whether the Norwegian will immediately meet those demands. For now, the midfielder may have to establish his value from the bench.
Both teams began the 2026-27 season with victories. Kaizer Chiefs defeated Kruger United 3-1, with Flavio Silva scoring and substitute Wandile Duba netting twice.
Pirates also started with a win, beating Milford 2-0. Their goals came from wide players Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi.
The next opportunity to assess the new-look squads will come in the MTN8. Orlando Pirates face Durban City on Saturday, 8 August, while Kaizer Chiefs play Golden Arrows on Sunday, 9 August.
With Chiefs appearing to have prioritised established players and immediate competition, while Pirates have invested heavily in younger talent after Mofokeng’s departure, the question of which club had the better window is likely to remain open until the new signings have had more time to settle.
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