That's Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United - Ajax Cape Town is out this time around.

Yet not all is cut and dried, as the recent Buccaneers' shopping spree would suggest. There is a tricky road to be travelled to the Holy Grail.

Though the dash to the finishing line is wide open, Ajax and fourth-placed Moroka Swallows would be true "dark horses" if they featured as contenders.

We looked at the transfer market action and concluded that Pirates seemed the more determined to strengthen their effort.

It must be understood however, that top-dollar purchases do not translate into results on the playing field.

Orlando Pirates

The busiest of all PSL clubs in the transfer markets - the title-holders - have thrown down the gauntlet to rivals as they gun for a repeat of last season's remarkable feat.

Club boss Irvin Khoza has spent like no other in the transfer markets, recruiting as many as seven players to add considerable depth to his already strong squad.

The Iron Duke has sought to strike a fine balance, though the influx of players has the potential to disturb the rhythm of the team. The Bucs have already captured the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout titles.

Left-winger Daine Klate has battled with injuries, and Tlou Segolela for form at times. However, both remain key to Bucs' ambitions with meaningful roles to play in their club's title quest.

The arrival of Sifiso Myeni (pending his recovery) and Luis Boa Morte will provide good cover at left wing.

Julio Leal still has Tokelo Rantie, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Benni McCarthy, Ndumiso Mabena and Rudolf Bester.

The Buccaneers want to leave little doubt about their ability to defend their league championship.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Ever had loads of cash, but had no one to spend it on?

That's probably how the Brazilians felt when they couldn't indulge in the window transfer markets, despite their bulging warchest.

Apart from winger Anthony Laffor, whom they have been courting for years, the Brazilians haven't performed admirably on transfers this season.

Coach Johan Neeskens, however, is certainly content with his squad as he hasn't lost any of his key players.

Besides, there is the return from injury of unknown Zimbabwean striker, Simba Sithole, and rejuvinated attacking midfielders Elias Pelembe, Themba Zwane and Teko Modise.

Striker Katlego Mphela leads the scoring charts while strike-partner Nyasha Mushekwi has been consistent.

Concerns could be in defence, which has been porous at times.

It will be interesting to see how they overcome an extended break and maintain their position at the summit.

Depth has always been a cornerstone to Sundowns' success.

Kaizer Chiefs

Where were Amakhosi when everybody was dipping into the transfer markets?

Is Amidu Abbas all they could come up with during a month in which their rivals went on a shopping spree?

Chiefs' attitude in the transfer markets has hardly inspired confidence that they could be taken as genuine challengers.

Vladimir Vermezovic could be satisfied with the team, as he hasn't uttered a word on new blood.

Truth, however, is that his combinations have often let him down and the need for serious re-inforcement became glaring. Fresh players were necessary in a team challenging for league honours.

Vermezovic could have done with a replacement for injured Reneilwe Letsholonyane and an additional centre-back.

Mthokozisi Yende has struggled for consistency, just as Josta Dladla, Abia Nale, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernard Parker have failed to sizzle.

It remains to be seen whether or not winger Siphiwe Tshabalala will be fully focused on the job at hand, what with beckoning British pounds on his mind.

SuperSport United

Even though they have been knocked off their top spot, United's grit and determination is still very palpable.

Gavin Hunt has recruited wisely during the January transfer window, strengthening his side with exciting attacking players, including Mabhuti Khanyeza.

Mame Niang, Glen Salmon, Atusaye Nyondo and Kermit Erasmus have been quiet.

Sibusiso Zuma returns from injury, bringing tons of experience and influence.

This may prove vital when the going gets tough.

Though he has added quality upfront, Hunt has failed to address defensive deficiencies in his side. This lot has conceded goals that saw them drop to second on the log before the festive break.

Skipper Morgan Gould has had problems of discipline, Davis Nkausu has been error-prone while Mario Booysen has barely been reliable.

League pressure could further wear down his suspect defence.