AFTER spending 10 years in the US, rising soccer star Lebo Pila is back in South Africa where his dream of turning professional has become a reality.

Pila signed with Absa Premiership side Jomo Cosmos yesterday, which put him well on track to follow in the footsteps of his famous father Steve Pila.

Pila senior is a top South African Football Association administrator who made his name in soccer circles as a player for Mahwelereng Motherwells and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ezenkosi manager Andrew "Jaws of Life" Rabutla yesterday unveiled Pila junior and the other three players signed by Ezenkosi.

Rabutla identified the other players as Zimbabwean Dondo Taonga from National First Division side Dynamos, Mbulelo Wambi from University of Pretoria and Niger's Issa Modibo Sidibe.

"We are going ahead with the process of assembling a formidable side to prepare for the daunting task in the Premiership. We are back in the top flight to stay for good," Rabutla said.

"Our coach (Jomo Sono) is delighted to have signed Lebo. He trained with us for a few minutes and the coach is convinced we have found a gem in Lebo.

"Lebo is still young and is good on the ball at the back, like his father Steve used to be. Mbulelo is equally good and was the best midfielder in the first division last season. Dondo is a deadly striker who used to give us problems when we played against Dynamos.

"Our coach saw Issa Sidibe when Niger played against Amabinneplaas at the African Nations Championship in Sudan last year.

"All these youngsters travelled with us to Swaziland last week for a pre-season camp. They played a series of games and are impressive."

Cosmos are off to Limpopo on Sunday where they will take part in the 2011 Mopani Executive Mayor's Cup at Giyani Stadium.