INACTIVE former Kaizer Chiefs defender Simphiwe Mkhonza signed for Absa Premiership strugglers AmaZulu yesterday.

The contract is for a year-and-a-half and Mkhonza is said to be ecstatic over the fact that he will finally play competitive football again after a lengthy spell in the wilderness.

The deal was confirmed by the side's communications manager, Philani "Zane" Mabaso and Mkhonza's agent, Ali Tlhoaele.

Mabaso said they were happy that they had finally secured the signature of the experienced defender.

"We are delighted to announce that Mkhonza has signed with us as he was a free agent. We had been talking to his agent for about two weeks," Mabaso said.

Tlhoaele, who is a director of KN Sports Marketing and Ambient Media, also confirmed that "Skizo", as Mkhize is popularly known, will be heading for Durban.

"I can confirm that he has signed for a year-and-a-half with AmaZulu. I'm the one who actually sent him there. We are just happy that he will finally get to play after a long time," Tlhoaele said.

Mkhonza had been without a club after he parted company with Maritzburg United last season.

The tough defender has not had much joy since his glory days with glamour side Kaizer Chiefs.

He also played for SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic.

He could be just what the doctor ordered for the ailing Durban club to make an about-turn in the second half of the Premiership season.