All eyes on the MTN8: Five game-changers ready to shake up the season

This weekend’s kick-off of the new Premier Soccer League season will see a bevy of players in new colours after a busy first two months of the transfer window.

The MTN8 quarterfinals on Saturday and Sunday will offer a first glimpse into the future prospects of many exciting new signings, and these five are arguably the first ones to look out for.

OSWIN APOLLIS: Of the half dozen new signings at Orlando Pirates, it is difficult to predict who will debut in Saturday’s clash against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium, but the Bafana winger Apollis is likely the best bet, particularly as he goes up against his old club.

Polokwane City refused to sell him last season, but owner Johnny Mogaladi seemingly could not resist the recent entreaties of Pirates’ boss Irvin Khoza. Apollis on the one flank and Relebogile Mofokeng on the other, offer the Buccaneers every chance of a successful season.

FAWAAZ BASADIEN: Champions Mamelodi Sundowns have made one only signing so far, adding to their collection of left-backs at the club by buying Basadien from Stellenbosch. Coach Miguel Cardoso dropped Aubrey Modiba at the Club World Cup and used Zimbabwe international Divine Lunga in the position instead, supposedly for his better defensive qualities.

But in Basadien, they get a full package of a good defender but a player always willing to surge forward. Plus (like Modiba), he can deliver a potent freekick.

BRADLEY GROBLER: Strikers are still the most sought-after signings, even if they are 37 years old, and Sekhukhune United’s new addition still knows how to find the back of the net but must be treated with kid gloves.

His long injury history means he hardly ever trains, but if he can magically appear on match day and grab vital goals, then he will prove that he is worth every penny.

MUZOMUHLE KHANYI: Last season’s top scorer in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions, is who Stellenbosch will be turning to solve a consistent problem they had last season of scoring.

With Lehlohonolo Mojela out injured for most of the last campaign and Ashley Cupido inconsistent, Stellenbosch were crying out for a finisher and will be hoping that they have found their man when they host AmaZulu at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.

THANDO NGWENYA: AmaZulu have bought the Zimbabwe international striker from FC Platinum and will be hoping he continues the scoring form he showed in his home league.

Zimbabwean strikers have made a positive impact in the South African league in the past, like Golden Boot winners Wilfred Mugeyi, Gilbert Mushangazhike, and Knowledge Musona, but impactful imports from their neighbouring country have dried up in more recent times.