Pule Ekstein Kaizer Chiefs

Pule Ekstein of Kaizer Chiefs during the Kaizer Chiefs Media Day on the 28 March 2019 at Kaizer Chiefs Village Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

PSL transfer news: Five local players who scored moves abroad

There were some interesting moves in the recent PSL transfer window, with big opportunities for some players who got their big break abroad.

Pule Ekstein Kaizer Chiefs

Pule Ekstein of Kaizer Chiefs during the Kaizer Chiefs Media Day on the 28 March 2019 at Kaizer Chiefs Village Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

The PSL transfer window came to a close earlier in the week, bringing to an end a busy period which saw some exciting movements.

While it was mostly dominated by deals between local clubs, there were a few players who scored moves abroad, as well as some already stationed overseas, who switched their allegiance.

Among the big moves seen in the recent transfer window, one of the more exciting ones was Percy Tau’s move to Club Brugge, where he joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, and now faces the prospect of featuring in the Uefa Champions League.

There was also a move for Tau’s Bafana teammate Thulani Serero, who moved from the Eredivisie in Holland, where he played for Vitesse, to Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.

However, here we take a look at the players who moved from the Absa Premiership to plying their trade elsewhere, with some getting their first big break beyond these shores.

Pule Ekstein – Sabah FC (Azerbaijan)

The midfielder had arguably his best season at Kaizer Chiefs, before he was released some time before end of the campaign.

After a brief period as a free agent – where he was linked with the likes of Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City – he made a move to Azerbaijan, where he joined Sabah FC.

Kobamelo Kodisang – SC Braga (Portugal)

SA youth international Kobamelo Kodisang spent the previous season in Portugal, where he turned out for Sanjoanense, on loan from Bidvest Wits.

He impressed enough there to earn a more permanent stay at the country, this time signing a four-year contract with SC Braga.

Ayanda Patosi – FC Baniyas (UAE)

Like Kodisang, Ayanda Patosi is another player who secured a deal after abroad at the end of a loan spell at another club.

The attacking midfielder was sold to FC Baniyas, who play in the United Arab Emirates’ top flight.

Gift Links – Aarhus GF (Denmark)

Having played in Egypt, the talented Gift Links’ next adventure is in Denmark, where he will be turning out for Superligaen outfit Aarhus.

The wide player was a regular at Cape Town City, and had a breakthrough season where he caught the eye of Danish scouts.

Darren Keet – OH Leuven (Belgium)

It was no secret that the Bafana goalkeeper had been eyeing a move back to Europe, and it came to be after he joined Leuven, who currently operate from Belgium’s second tier.

It’s the shot-stopper’s second spell in Belgium, as he has also represented KV Kortrijk in between two stints at Bidvest Wits.