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Khune, Manyisa, Mashamaite search for new clubs

Nothing beats a good bargain‚ especially in South Africa’s inflated transfer market. With the window for player movements officially opening on Wednesday‚ here are the top five free agents.

1. Itumeleng Khune

The Bafana goalkeeper is looking for a new home following his failed contract negotiations with Kaizer Chiefs. He is currently with the national team‚ but there’s no doubt Khune’s been mulling over his future with just over a month before the new season kicks off. It seems the only thing likely to get in his way is the remuneration package‚ which Amakhosi chairman claimed was the reason the 28-year-old was shown the door at Naturena. But news that he is back at Naturena anyway next season could mean his very public leaving of the club was much ado about nothing.

2. Elias Pelembe

Another player whose salary demands got in the way of negotiations. The Mozambique talisman is in the twilight of his career and needs regular game time‚ a factor that might give possible suitors some leverage in winning over his signature. Pelembe proved that he was still up for it when handed a rare opportunity by Pitso Mosimane last season at Mamelodi Sundowns.

3. Tefu Mashamaite

He is the reigning footballer of the year‚ so there’s no sales pitch necessary. At 30‚ the former Wits and Chiefs captain still has some mileage in him and has been singled out as an ideal replacement for defender Alje Schut‚ who has moved back to Holland‚ at Mamelodi Sundowns.

4. Patrick Phungwayo

With Thabo Matlaba clearly the first-choice leftback at Orlando Pirates‚ a move away from the club would not be such a bad idea for Phungwayo‚ who has also been battling with injuries. His progress has regressed slightly since joining the Buccaneers in 2012.

5. Oupa Manyisa

A move to Sundowns in January was mooted in January‚ but Pirates just weren’t interested in selling to their Premier League title rivals. It is unlikely Manyisa will leave in the current window as he continues to play a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ grueling fixture schedule‚ but he is out of contract. His versatility in midfield makes it hard for any club to ignore his current free agent status.

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