GU, Chiefs shake up transfer market
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 19, 2026 06:00
The short January transfer window is hitting the halfway mark, and the two giants are dominating the market. GU and Chiefs have been the busiest clubs, and their signings do not read like quiet tweaks; instead, they read like launch codes for a title fight.
The Money Machine are chasing a title defence as they sit three points clear at the summit of the standings. Before the Christmas and AFCON break, the Reds were riding a blistering run with 10 wins, two draws and were yet to record a defeat.
In the market, GU have gone all-in on adding firepower and creativity. The loan capture of Godfrey Tauyatswala from Township Rollers gives GU a physical edge up front that’s been missing in tight ties.
They then engineered a smart swap with Chiefs, bringing another forward in Ibrahim Youssouf into the fold whilst sending fullback Brian Tafhi the other way.
And if that was not enough, GU added Namibian midfielder Ambrosius Amseb, a ball-magician with local league pedigree thanks to stints at Rollers and Masitaoka.
Chiefs, on the other hand, have been methodical. The arrival of Bobo Sima on loan from South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs injects defensive steel into the backline.
Tafhi’s return strengthens the full-back options, and Moloi Thuto adds much-needed depth on the flanks, and he could prove a perfect cover for the injured Jackson Lesole in the right back position.
Up top, veteran Zimbabwean Evans Rusike brings seasoned poise; the kind of striker you trust to grind out that ugly but necessary winner. This is not a squad built for mid-table comfort as Chiefs target a top-three finish.
In the end, the moves by GU and Chiefs are not about consolation prizes; they are statements of intent. With the league table showing GU out front on 32 points and Galaxy breathing down their neck on 29 as challengers, there’s a real sense that this window will define the title tilt.
Meanwhile, league action resumes this weekend following the AFCON and festive season break. Rollers come in scratching and fighting, trying to shake off off-field turbulence and on-field inconsistency as they visit Galaxy on Saturday evening in a 7pm kick-off.
Galaxy, on the other hand, are specific in its mission. The team has been strong at home and relentless in attack this season, and a win here keeps the pressure on GU at the top. It could be more than three points, but a confidence and momentum boost.
BDF XI hosts GU at the VTM Arena on Saturday afternoon at 4pm. GU’s title credentials will be tested as BDF are no pushovers.
GU will be banking on the depth after bolstering the squad in the current window. Their unbeaten run makes them favorites whilst depth in attack and midfield creativity will be key.
It will be a crunch clash down the table as Santa Green take on Black Lions at the Palapye Stadium. The Veggies need points to climb clear of danger, whilst Black Lions are searching for consistency as Srdan Zivojnov is expected to make his coaching debut with Dibata.
Nico United and Orapa United are in a mid-table teeth-gnawer at the Sam Sono Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Form has been patchy for both, but Nico’s home strength could make this a grind with just enough quality to flip the result in their favour. At home, Sua Flamingoes look to build on a solid run of results against Matebele FC on Saturday afternoon.
Chiefs will test some of its newly acquired arsenal against Extension Gunners on Saturday evening at 7pm at the GU Stadium, as the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium hosts the Ghetto Derby between TAFIC and Calendar Stars at 7pm.
The only fixture on Sunday afternoon features Police XI and Morupule Wanderers at the VTM Arena at 4pm.