TOUGH-AS-TEAK Jomo Cosmos and Amabinneplaas defender Thapelo "Chappies" Tshilo signed a two-year deal yesterday with big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns.

TOUGH-AS-TEAK Jomo Cosmos and Amabinneplaas defender Thapelo "Chappies" Tshilo signed a two-year deal yesterday with big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The towering 25-year-old sweeper, born in Wattville, Benoni, is also said to have had a two-year option added to his contract at Chloorkop.

Downs' spokesperson Alex "Goldfinger" Shakoane said: "This is good for Sundowns as we have been monitoring him for some time now. He will be surrounded by equally good players and will add to the quality of our defence."

Tshilo is one of five players who are not going down to the National First Division with the relegated Ezenkosi. Club boss and head coach Jomo Sono said the other players set to leave the club are Nigerian defender Ayo Oluwafemi, Malian striker Sekou Camara, Paballo Mngomezulu and Bamuza Sono.

Cosmos will swap Oluwafemi for Maritzburg United striker Norman Smith, who has been on loan at Ezenkosi.

Camara, the team's leading goalscorer last season, is heading to Santos on loan, while former Kaizer Chiefs youth player Mngomezulu is reported to be heading for Platinum Stars. Bamuza Sono is expecting Roger de Sa to get back to him about a proposed move to Bidvest Wits.

"We wish them all the best wherever they are going," Jomo Sono said yesterday.

Ezenkosi have been able to hold on to Malian international defender Osman Berthe, who has extended his contract for another three seasons, while mercurial midfielder Bongani "Shuffle" Theletsane is also staying on.

Thabiso Hlalele has also decided to see out his contract at Cosmos.

Ntokozo Tshabalala and Siyabonga Nhlapo are new players at the club.