Having missed out on Baroka FC midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase, Kaizer Chiefs have instead swooped for Bloemfontein Celtic winger Kabelo Mahlasela.
Chiefs had been linked with Ntshangase since his Black Leopards days and appeared to be closing in on capturing his signature.
But according to Baroka CEO Morgan Mammila, Amakhosi were not willing to meet their asking price and the deal was called off on Wednesday.
However, it was still to be a fruitful day for the Soweto giants as they confirmed the arrival of Mahlasela, the 26-year-old former Royal Eagles player having been on Chiefs’ radar after some scintillating performances for Celtic this season.
“Kaizer Chiefs would like to confirm the signing of attacking midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela from Bloemfontein Celtic on a 2 and a half year deal with a one year option,” the club tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.
And as part of the deal, central defender Lorenzo Gordinho will head to Bloemfontein for a one-year loan period.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy, meanwhile, continues to reshape his squad, the Citizens on Wednesday announcing the signing of the former Stars of Africa attacker Surprise Ralani, who arrives from Swedish outfit Helsingborg IF.
The 30-year-old from Kimberley has never played in the PSL, having spent his career in Sweden and Denmark. His signing follows on from that of Kenyan forward Masoud Juma on Tuesday.
The Cape side have, however, seen Lehlohonolo Majoro leaving for Bidvest Wits while Aubrey Ngoma went to Mamelodi Sundowns in a big money move.
In other confirmed PSL transfer business, Bloemfontein Celtic have signed Menzi Masuku from Chippa United.
Bidvest Wits, meanwhile, parted ways with former Bafana Bafana and Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, who leaves after just half a season during which time he featured in only six league matches.
The 35-year-old, who also played for Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland in a glittering career, had been linked to Orlando Pirates before joining the Clever Boys. But that was before Milutin Sredojevic was appointed head coach at Pirates.
