Nine DStv Premiership teams have offloaded around 76 players so far in the offseason break alone, representing an average of eight footballers per club, FARPost has established.
Some of the players have since signed for new teams. Nonetheless, the 76 is enough to form starting XIs for six teams in South Africa’s top-tier league.
The number of evictions has jumped this off-season break compared to roughly 50 players who lost their jobs at the same stage last season in South Africa.
Analysts say the ever-increasing number of ejected players reflects clubs’ desperation for quick results, thereby making it difficult for slow starters to adjust to a new environment and even young players to have space for development.
Leading agent Mike Makaab said the increase in the number of jobless players makes the South Africa transfer market very competitive and tough for the unemployed.
“It makes it more competitive but difficult for the players released,” he tells FARPost.
Former Jomo Cosmos striker Esau Kanyenda said the prospect of the unemployed players finding new jobs—some have already been signed—depends on the competence of their respective agents to market their clients.
“At this stage, it all depends on how connected your agent is; otherwise, it is not easy finding a club,” the ex-Polokwane City forward tells FARPost.
Overall, AmaZulu lead the chart after having ejected 15 players and so far signed eight new players.
Sekhukhune United are in second place on the evictions after having parted ways with 14 players.
Kaizer Chiefs and their rivals Orlando Pirates are in third and fourth places after releasing 12 and 10 players, respectively.
Pirates and Sekhukhune too have signed new players.
The overall number excludes Baroka FC, who, too, have embarked on a massive clearout, but they will now be campaigning in the National First Division.
The casualties also extend to coaches such as Ernst Middendorp (ex-Maritzburg United), Dan Malesela (ex-Marumo Gallants), Kaitano Tembo (ex-SuperSport, now with Sekhukhune) and Fadlu Davids (Pirates).
Players evictions log table:
AmaZulu: 15
Sekhukhune: 14
Chiefs: 12
Pirates: 10
Maritzburg 8
Stellenbosch: 7
Arrows 6
Sundowns: 2
SuperSport: 2
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