Stellenbosch FC have confirmed the signing of a highly rated former TS Galaxy player who recently refused to entertain any idea of a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Stellies have been quietly preparing for next season, where they have the added burden of CAF Confederation Cup football, and on Monday announced that they had secured the services of Sanele Barns on a long-term deal.
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The 27-year-old winger had a standout 2023/24 campaign for Richards Bay FC, even if the side ended up competing in the promotion'/relegation play-offs, which they came out of unscathed to continue life as a top-flight outfit.
By then, he had already signed a pre-contract with the Steve Barker-led team but was credited by the Natal Rich Boyz's head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi for his work ethic, with the young mentor revealing he would even be willing to pay Stellenbosch back to cancel the deal if the opportunity were to present itself.
Now, the Cape Winelands club has added Lehlogonolo Mojela, who also joins on a long-term contract, to the list of new recruits.
The exact length of his deal, though, is not known.
"We are delighted to bolster our attacking line-up by welcoming Lehlogonolo to the Club," Stellies' CEO Rob Benadie told the club's website on Tuesday.
"He is a dynamic player who we have been monitoring for some time and we believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad who will aid the Club in its ambitions to compete on all fronts," he added.
Mojela helped the Rockets to reach the final of the Carling Knockout last season, where they came stuck against, ironically, Stellenbosch, in a game in which he registered his name on the score sheet as the teams drew 1-1 after extra time and Barker's men prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
With pace to burn, he is expected to fit like a glove in hand to the 56-year-old coach's football philosophy that is all about energy and getting into the opposition box as fast as possible.
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The winger, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the recent COSAFA Cup, had recently been asked about being linked with the big guns of South African football, in an interview with Metro FM's Sports Night Amplified.
"For me, my dream is Sundowns. He (Rulani Mokwena) is a fantastic coach… his tactic-game, hey they are very dangerous.
"If they (Chiefs) call, it depends on the chairman, you see. If they both call, I will go to Sundowns."