MAMELODI Sundowns confirmed their biggest signing of the off-season yesterday when they acquired Bafana Bafana right-back Anele Ngcongca on a five-year deal.
This is part of coach Pitso Mosimane’s bid to strengthen his team as matches come thick and fast for the Tshwane giants.
Ngcongca put pen to paper yesterday ahead of the end of the transfer window period, which closed midnight.
Sundowns are gunning to defend their PSL championship and excel in cup competitions such as the MTN8, where they will face Chippa United in the two-legged semifinals in a fortnight’s time.
Ngcongca’s capture comes days after SuperSport United announced Tefu Mashamaite as their biggest signing.
Mosimane’s effort has ended speculation about the player’s destination, as several Premier Soccer League clubs were after his signature.
The 28-year-old Cape Town born player has been a regular in the national squad.
He started his career at amateur side Aces United, before joining FC Fortune. From there he moved to Belgian side Genk in 2007, making 223 appearances for them and scoring eight goals. He was sent out on loan last season to Troyes FC.
“Ngcongca is the most recent signing by the Tshwane giants, after Ivorian Yannick Zakri, who joined Sundowns last week, Sibusiso Vilakazi, and Brazilian Ricardo Nascimento, who came on board earlier,” a statement from Downs read yesterday.
“The need for a right-back arose with the departure of former captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele, leaving only Siyanda Zwane in that position.”
Club spokesman Thulani Thuswa said: “Ngcongca is a versatile player. He can play in right-back, centre-back and midfield when required to do so.
“He is one of a rare breed who can perform in multiple roles.”
