STATS: PSL Stars Likely To Move At The End Of The Season

The PSL run-in resumes this coming weekend, with a lot still to play for among many PSL teams. Sundowns have opened up a 13-point lead at the top, and while the odds of the defending champions giving that up are slim, the rest of the chasing teams will harbor hope as long as there is a mathematical chance. CAF places and Top 8 places are also up for grabs in the last two months of the campaign, and the relegation battle is shaping up to be an exciting one. Qualifying for CAF may need bigger squads, and some teams will have certain players they have set as targets for the safari which is a continental competition. We’ve looked at the data and profiled some potential transfers for the coming season.

1. Grant Magerman

SuperSport’s midfielder has played more minutes than any other player in the league this season, and his durability may be a key asset that some teams may be looking for next season. The 25-year-old is approaching the peak of his years as a player, and he may look to move elsewhere for trophies. In a recent interview, the former Sundowns man had this to say about a potential transfer:

“Well, If one of the bigger teams comes knocking for my signature, I’ll obviously go and compete. I’m an ambitious player, and I like to challenge myself, so you can never say no to such a big opportunity..”

The heat map above shows where he had the most touches all season, and speculatively where he could fit in another team. Ideally, a team looking for a right-sided midfielder (right 8 if you will), and rumors have linked him to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

2. Sanele Barns

No player has created as many chances this season as Sanele Barns, and he is the only player with more than 50 chances this season. It’s been two seasons of excellence in creativity since Barnes and Richards Bay were promoted last season, and if he did not catch the eye of the bigger clubs in his first season, he’s certainly done so in his second. According to reports, Stellenbosch have already won the race for his signature, although nothing official has come from the club.

Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City have been known to be interested in his services as well, and should anything major change, he may yet end up there. With Richards Bay struggling in the relegation zone, Barns may look for a way out to spend his peak years chasing trophies.

3. Oswin Appolis

Another player who has impressed in a newly promoted side is Oswin Appollis. With five goals and three assists, he leads his team for goal contributions in all competitions this season. Appollis’ stellar performances even earned him a Bafana Bafana debut at the recently ended Africa Cup of Nations. However, another season at Polokwane City may not be part of his plans, and he may be a good fit for a side looking for creativity from out.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have been linked to him in the past, but even a Cape Town City or SuperSport could do with his talents. A creative left attacker who is also a Bafana international would be a great addition to a CAF-chasing squad.

Other Players

Sundowns’ Abubeker Nasir may also be on his way out of the club in the off-season. The Ethiopian forward has been unlucky with recurring injuries since a horror tackle suffered against Orlando Pirates at the end of 2022. As Sundowns look to clear up more foreign spots, he may be one to depart the club. Sphephelo Sithole (Yaya) has also been linked to some clubs following his impressive AFCON performances. Kaizer Chiefs were known to be a club of interest, and he may end up at Naturena if all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Other players like Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune), Tholo Matuludi (Polokwane City), and Lehlohonolo Mojela (TS Galaxy) have also had impressive campaigns in 2023/24 and may be targets of clubs looking to beef up their squads for CAF competitions or a shot at the title.