The January transfer window is almost closed, and local football fans have seen some massive moves in the Betway Premiership. It has been a very busy month for the “Big Three” – Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs.
As we head into the final days of the window, supporters are debating which club has done the best business. From record-breaking fees to surprise swaps, here is what is trending in South African football right now.
Sundowns Splash the Cash Again
The defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have once again shown their financial power. The Brazilians have signed Colombian striker Brayan Leon for a massive fee of around R58 million.
Masandawana fans are already seeing the rewards of this investment. Leon settled in quickly and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on 27 January. With Sundowns currently leading the league standings, the pressure is on the new man to keep finding the net as they look to defend their title and make a strong run in the CAF Champions League.
Pirates Add Firepower and Refresh the Squad
Orlando Pirates have been very active this month, bringing in three key signings to strengthen their attack. Along with the arrival of Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch FC, 
the Buccaneers have also secured Zimbabwean winger Daniel Msendami and midfielder Mpho Chabatsane. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes these recruits bring a new dynamic of speed and vitality to the team.
However, there have also been notable exits. The club confirmed the permanent departure of midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who has returned to Chippa United on a three-year contract. Additionally, Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah left the club by mutual consent on 29 January after requesting an early release to seek regular game time elsewhere. Pirates are currently sitting in third place and will be hoping these changes help them close the gap on the leaders.
The Mabasa Move to the Winelands
The biggest talking point of the window has been the future of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa. While there were many rumours linking the forward with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, those reports turned out to be wide of the mark. On 20 January 2026, Mabasa officially joined Stellenbosch FC on loan for the remainder of the season.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the search for a proven goalscorer continues, though the team has shown great form on the pitch. Amakhosi have climbed to second place on the table following a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants, thanks to a strike from Glody Lilepo. While fans are still hoping for more signings before the deadline, the current squad has proven they can grind out results, having already recorded ten clean sheets this season.
The Race for the Title
With the window closing on Monday, 2 February, clubs are scrambling to finalise their squads. In a major boost for the Cape Winelands side, Stellenbosch FC managed to keep hold of their star man Devin Titus by signing him to a new long-term deal earlier this month.
The second half of the season promises to be exciting. Can Pirates or Chiefs catch Sundowns? Will the new signings make a difference? We will find out soon as the local game enters its most competitive phase yet.
FAN POLLS: Have Your Say
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| Position | Club | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | Points | Goal Difference |
| 1 | Mamelodi Sundowns | 15 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 32 | +14 |
| 2 | Kaizer Chiefs | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 30 | +8 |
| 3 | Orlando Pirates | 13 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 29 | +12 |
| 4 | AmaZulu FC | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 27 | +6 |
| 5 | Sekhukhune United | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 26 | +3 |
| 6 | Durban City | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 25 | +2 |
| 7 | TS Galaxy | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 24 | +1 |
| 8 | Polokwane City | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 23 | -1 |
| 9 | Richards Bay | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 18 | -2 |
| 10 | Siwelele | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 17 | -4 |
| 11 | Golden Arrows | 15 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 16 | -6 |
| 12 | Stellenbosch FC | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 15 | -5 |
| 13 | Marumo Gallants | 16 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 15 | -7 |
| 14 | Orbit College FC | 16 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 13 | -9 |
| 15 | Chippa United | 16 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 12 | -10 |
| 16 | Magesi FC | 14 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 11 | -12 |
The current table illustrates several emerging trends. Firstly, the defensive solidity of the top four teams is remarkable, with Kaizer Chiefs leading the league in clean sheets. Secondly, the struggles of historically strong clubs like Stellenbosch FC and Chippa United highlight the volatility of the mid-table, where a single poor run of form can lead to a significant slide toward the relegation zone.