×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Mhlongo moves to Pirates

Buccaneer...Orlando Pirates new recruit Benson Mhlongo is welcomed by the club's chief executive officer Floyd "Jomo" Mbele at their offices yesterday. Mhlongo has signed a three year contract with the club. PHOTO: RAMATSIYI MOHOLOA
Buccaneer...Orlando Pirates new recruit Benson Mhlongo is welcomed by the club's chief executive officer Floyd "Jomo" Mbele at their offices yesterday. Mhlongo has signed a three year contract with the club. PHOTO: RAMATSIYI MOHOLOA

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Orlando Pirates yesterday confirmed the signing of Benson Mhlongo as part of their plans to build a competitive team for the 2008-2009 soccer season.

The hard-working Mhlongo has signed a three-year contract with glory-seeking Bucs from Mamelodi Sundowns.

"It was a very difficult situation for us, especially if you have different agents in the market where they all say they represent the player," said Bucs chairman Irvin Khoza.

"We were offered Benson by two agents, but we first had to make sure who the right person was who was looking after the interests of the player."

Khoza praised Mhlongo as "a born leader ... he creates a great atmosphere when he is playing".

He added: "We have a good relationship with Sundowns. I was phoned on Wednesday night and was informed that the deal had been finalised."

Khoza is leading the 2010 World Cup delegation at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

Mhlongo, who is in rehabilitation following a knee injury, said he was delighted to be at Pirates, describing the club as his home.

"Pirates are an ambitious team. I also want to be part of that team that will be challenging for honours in the new season."

Mhlongo is one of the big names who have joined Pirates in the past two weeks. Others are Moeneeb Josephs and Thulasizwe Mbuyane.

They will be unveiled in the Phakisa Cup and the Vodacom Challenge.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.