AFTER failing to secure a deal with a Premiership club, former Moroka Swallows goal-poacher Lungisani Ndlela has finally found a new home at National First Division side United FC.

Ndlela failed to get a contract with Maritzburg United, Mpumalanga Black Aces or Platinum Stars and he also tried in vain to secure a move to Greece.

The lanky forward played for SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns before returning to the Birds' aviary last season.

United coach Shepherd Murape is excited to have signed the once-revered striker.

"I strongly believe that Ndlela will cause problems up front and he still has what it takes in the game. So we are excited to have him on board," Murape said yesterday.

"It has always been our wish to have an experienced striker like Lungisani. He is a quality player - good on the ground and in the air," said the Zimbabwean mentor.

Ndlela scored in his debut for United when they beat FC AK in their Inland Stream match at the weekend.

He is expected to lead his team against Black Leopards in Kimberley on Saturday.

Other former Premiership players at the club include Thembile Kanono, Junior Khanye, Alois Ngwerume and Junior Sekete.

Last season the club had the likes of Steve Lekoelea, McDonald Mukansi, Dan Semake, Jabulani Mendu, Ivan Zwane, Innocent Ntsume, Hleza Mofedi and Tsietsi Diale but their wealth of experience in the game failed to help United gain promotion to the top flight, let alone qualify for the playoffs.

The Kimberley side finished seventh on the eight-team log last season.

United had a disappointing start to their current campaign but the arrival of Ndlela has raised hopes of playoffs qualification.

They are currently fifth on the log with seven points from six matches.