South African Premier Soccer League side Maritzburg United have announced the signing of two new players, including former junior international Tholang Masegela from French Ligue 1 side Ajaccio.
Midfielder Masegela has signed a five-year deal along with teenager Sizwe Muthwa, who was previously with rivals Maritzburg City - who play in South Africa's third tier.
Masegela is a South African Under-20 international who was a product of the Diambars Football Academy that was co-founded by France World Cup winner Patrick Vieira before being closed down in 2016.
The erstwhile Boksburg-based academy also produced Lebo Mothiba, who has since gone on to star in Ligue 1 with Lille, playing a major role in helping them avoid the drop last season.
DOUBLE SIGNING
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) July 16, 2018
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A warm welcome to Sizwe Muthwa and Tholang Masegela. The duo have signed five years deals at the club.#WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/EUzWHxP17Q
There had been high hopes for Masegela too when he signed for Ajaccio in 2016 (alongside defender Keanu Cupido, who remains at the club for now), but he made just a single appearance for the club's reserve side last season and was released to continue his career back home.
Maritzburg enjoyed their best ever season in 2017-18 under rookie head coach Fadlu Davids, finishing in fourth position in the Absa Premiership league and making the final of the national Nedbank Cup.
They have so far been able to keep hold of their star names, but have seen stalwart skipper Bevan Fransman leave for Highlands Park after he rejected a new contract.
The club have also signed former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Buchanan and SuperSport United defender Denwin Farmer.