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Big 5 tipped to feature prominently in mid-season transfer deals

Unattached Shonga in the mix after Egypt flop

Sihle Ndebele Journalist
Thabo Nodada of Cape Town City.
Thabo Nodada of Cape Town City.
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix/Gallo Images

Normally many clubs wrap-up their transfer dealings before the start of the season. This makes the January window a bit quiet. However, things promise to be different this time around as a number of big transfers are on the cards. Sihle Ndebele picks five big deals that are likely to be wrapped up before the mid-season window slams shut.

Thabo Nodada (Cape Town City to Orlando Pirates)

Nodada, 26, has not been shy to say he’s ready for a new challenge. Sowetan has gathered that Pirates have shown interest in the diminutive central midfielder subject to giving City the money they want. City have always been willing to sell their best players, having recently sold Surprise Ralani to Mamelodi Sundowns. In September, Nodada revealed he was aware there were negotiations between the Citizens and Bucs over his signature. The deal collapsed at the eleventh hour due to Pirates’ failure to meet City’s asking price, Sowetan was informed then.

Robyn Johannes of Stellenbosch and Siyethemba Sithebe of AmaZulu during the Absa Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC.
Robyn Johannes of Stellenbosch and Siyethemba Sithebe of AmaZulu during the Absa Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC.
Image: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

Siyethemba Sithebe (AmaZulu to Kaizer Chiefs)

Chiefs are understood to have made contact with Sithebe’s camp. Even so, AmaZulu appear reluctant to sell their jersey No.10, despite the fact that he’s in the final six months of his contract. Sowetan understands that Usuthu have offered Sithebe, 29, a new deal, trying to avoid losing him for free at the end of the season. Should he decline the new offer, it’s likely that Usuthu will sell to Chiefs in the next few weeks.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga.
Former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga.
Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Justin Shonga (unattached to Sekhukhune United)

Following his rather unceremonious departure from Egyptian side Ismaily a few weeks ago, Shonga is on the verge of linking up with Sekhukhune. The 25-year-old striker lasted only two months in Egypt, failing to knuckle down. The Zambian is now looking to re-establish himself in the Premier Soccer League, where he made a name for himself at clubs like Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, among others. Shonga is already in the country, expecting to sign before the end of next week.

Katlego Otladisa of Marumo Gallants.
Katlego Otladisa of Marumo Gallants.
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix/Gallo Images

Katlego Otladisa (Marumo Gallants to Chiefs)

Otladisa has been trending in recent weeks following his social media posts that suggested he was joining Chiefs. While Sowetan has gathered there hasn’t been any formal contact between Chiefs and Gallants, a source close to Chiefs has made it clear Chiefs will make a bid for the 25-year-old right-winger in the next few weeks. Gallants are expected to accept Chiefs’ bid.

Golden Arrows captain Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Golden Arrows captain Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Image: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Nkosinathi Sibisi (Golden Arrows to Pirates)

Sibisi was expected to link-up with former Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi at Pirates before the season started before the two clubs mysteriously put the deal on hold. It’s believed the two teams have resumed negotiations for the 26-year-old centre-back. Arrows and Pirates have a long-running transfer relationship which may make it easier for this deal to be brokered this time around.

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