With the final two weeks of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) transfer window (1 July - September 22) underway, Mamelodi Sundowns are the club under the most scrutiny.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa is one of several players whose future is up in the air with Spanish second-tier side CYD Leonesa reportedly leading the race for his services, but questions lingering over whether or not he would be granted clearance to leave.
When the transfer window opened, Sundowns had only six days earlier concluded their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The tournament brought in an estimated $12.5 million in revenue, but the club has also admitted that it generated significant interest in their players from other potential suitors.
In addition, it gave their rivals a headstart in terms of getting their transfer business done and preparing for the new season, while Sundowns had to focus on the fixtures in front of them and had limited time to transition from one campaign to the next.
Now, out of the big three of Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, the defending champions are the club that find themselves with the most question marks hanging over their potential late transfer business. Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been the main story dominating headlines, and it looks highly unlikely that the Brazilian striker will ever play for Sundowns again - but there is still a lack of certainty over the formalisation of his exit.
Sundowns could potentially see more departures, too, and signings to add to the reinforcements they have already brought in - namely Fawaaz Basadien and Tsiki Ntsabeleng.
One of their headline departures has been Sipho Mbule, who joined Orlando Pirates and is finding his feet. Among their wingers, Pirates lost Mohau Nkota to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and have had to fight to keep hold of Relebohile Mofokeng. They still have issues to resolve in the striker position, but the majority of their business is likely concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs have signed Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane following their departures from Pirates, their fierce Soweto rivals. In addition, have secured the services of another ex-Pirates player in Siphesihle Ndlovu. Etiosa Ighodaro from Mamelodi Sundowns was another key signing, as was Khanyisa Mayo on loan from CR Belouizdad. Chiefs began their business early and are also unlikely to be left scrambling in the late stages of the window, but there is always the possibility of big names coming through the door at Naturena.
There have been some key transfers outside the big three too. Ime Okon joined Hannover 96 following the end of his time at SuperSport United. The 21-year-old's contract is set to keep him tied to the second-tier German club until 2029.
Stellenbosch FC's Tylon Smith - the Player of the Tournament at the recent U20 Africa Cup of Nations - has officially joined Championship side Queens Park Rangers, joining fellow South African player Luke le Roux (Portsmouth) in signing for a Championship team.
Orlando Pirates: transfers & key rumours
After announcing the arrivals of new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Sipho Mbule, Pirates also announced the signings of Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay, Masindi Nemtajela from Marumo Gallants, Tshepang Moremi from Amazulu, Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United, Sihle Nduli from Stellenbosch and Tshepo Mashiloane from Baroka. Kabelo Kgositsile - another player linked with the Buccaneers for some time - remains at Baroka for now, but is expected to join Pirates next year.
More recently, Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis joined from Polokwane City and Kamogelo Sebelebele from TS Galaxy.
Both have settled in well and hit form, which was vital with Mohau Nkota having moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Pirates have also had to fight to retain the services of Relebohile Mofokeng.
As per an ESPN source, Mofokeng had agreed personal terms in principle with Minnesota United, but the club failed to agree a fee with Orlando Pirates for his services before the MLS transfer deadline.
The Buccaneers have also signed Abdoulaye Mariko from Mali's Djoliba AC and Lebone Seema from TS Galaxy. Their new signings have put up decent showings, but the club seemingly has yet to settle on a clear starter upfront. There is no indication that they are in any rush to go to the market to resolve that issue, but it is an area to watch.
The departure of striker Zakhele Lepasa has been confirmed. Meanwhile, Monnapule Saleng has joined Orbit College on loan.
Miguel Timm, whose exit from Orlando Pirates had already been confirmed ahead of the transfer window, has now joined Sekhukhune United. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has left the club too, as has Azola Tshobeni. Tshobeni has joined Chippa United, with Ndlondlo having left for Marumo Gallants.
Mamelodi Sundowns: transfers & key rumours
Sundowns have several talented players on their books with uncertain futures -- among them 21-year-old forward/winger Thapelo Maseko, who has spoken on Instagram regarding the toll his recent struggles have taken on his love for football. Maseko has been given opportunities in recent weeks, but they have been short and scattered rather than consistent.
Attacking midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng has been brought in on loan from FC Dallas until 2026 to add depth to the ranks with Lucas Ribeiro Costa seemingly set to leave the club.
Ribeiro has submitted notice of his intention to terminate his contract and reports indicate that CYD Leonesa are frontrunners to sign him. However, while Ribeiro's camp believes that the precedent set by the Lassana Diarra ruling leaves him free to join another club, Sundowns have been caught off guard by his farewell statement on social media, as per SABC Sport, and have not officially confirmed his departure themselves. A legal battle could ensue over his clearance.
Apart from Mbule, Mamelodi Sundowns have also released defender/midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee, centre-back Lucas Suárez, forward Lebohang Maboe (now at Kaizer Chiefs, along with Etiosa Ighodaro), goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala, forward Thabang Sibanyoni and left-back Sifiso Ngobeni, who has joined Cape Town City. Additionally, Rushine de Reuck has joined Tanzania's Simba SC.
Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile are among the others who faced uncertain futures at the club heading into the transfer window. Shalulile has indicated a desire to stay and fight for his place upfront, while SABC Sport's Mazola Molefe reported that the club had blocked bids for Mudau, with the player's representative Steve Kapeluschnik attempting to secure improved terms.
Reports suggest that Lebo Mothiba will remain at the club. Sundowns have also been working to tie down teenage starlet Siyabonga Mabena to a long-term deal, with his new representatives at Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) happy to let him continue his development at the club.
Kaizer Chiefs: transfers & key rumours
Recently, the club has announced two major acquisitions upfront. Etiosa Ighodaro was signed from Mamelodi Sundowns and Khanyisa Mayo - son of Chiefs legend Patrick Mayo - has been brought in from CR Belouizdad on loan.
Luke Baartman adds depth to Amakhosi's ranks upfront and is one to watch for the future after he and midfielder Asanele Velebayi were cleared to join from Cape Town Spurs after an initial dispute was settled through the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber.
Midfielder Ethan Chislett has been signed from Port Vale. Portuguese striker Flávio Silva has also joined from Persebaya Surabaya - a crucial signing as Amakhosi look to address their goalscoring issues.
Other Betway Premiership transfer rumours
Two Orlando Pirates wingers in very different situations are at the heart of much of the transfer speculation. Relebohile Mofokeng - a 20-year-old rising star who was linked with Barcelona last season - continues to have his name mentioned in connection to clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
Centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is another player who has been linked with a move to Ahly by Soccer Laduma. However, Europe is reportedly another potential destination for the 19-year-old defender.
Winger Keletso Makgalwa has been in superb form for Sekhukhune United and has been linked with some of Africa's biggest clubs, ranging from Kaizer Chiefs to Tunisia's Espérance.
Outgoing Stellenbosch defender Ismaël Olivier Touré has joined United Arab Emirates side FC Baniyas. However, they signed Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs to ensure they were not left short of cover. Their situation could become more complicated if Thabo Moloisane completes a widely reported move away from the club - potentially to Orlando Pirates - before the close of the window.
Kaizer Chiefs have tried to sign Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman following Cape Town Spurs' relegation to the third-tier ABC Motsepe League. Spurs have claimed ownership of the players, but as per SABC Sport's Mazola Molefe, Velebayi has been declared a free agent by the PSL dispute resolution chamber.
A notable name among the free agents worth watching is Percy Tau, who has indicated in an interview with Robert Marawa that despite his history with and affinity for Mamelodi Sundowns, he is open to anyone who makes a suitable offer.