Ovono was unveiled by Bucs on Wednesday along with fellow recruits Tendai Ndoro, Gift Motupa, Thembinkosi Lorch and Luvuyo Memela.
Mhlongo is the current first-choice keeper in Mayfair, with Ovono joining Siyabonga Mpontshane and Philani Zikalala in the battle to take over the number one jersey.
“It is a great signing and I think I said this before, as long as it benefits the team, whoever is playing we just have to support him like they are supporting me,” Mhlongo said before Pirates jetted out to Congo-Brazzaville yesterday for Saturday's CAF Confederation Cup clash with AC Leopards.
“As long as the team is winning it is good. Competition at the end of the day is all about winning. So if the team thought that signing Ovono was the best option, then we just have to go with it and support him.
“Whoever plays we just support each other, that's how it goes.”