Asavela Mbekile joins Stellenbosch FC after Orlando Pirates exit

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Asavela Mbekile has completed his next move with an Absa Premiership club snapping him up on a free transfer.

Mbekile saw his stay with Pirates cut short during the recent transfer window when his contract was terminated after just 18 months at the club.

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The former Mamelodi Sundowns utility player has since joined Stellenbosch FC, following the transfer of midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu to The Buccaneers last Friday.

Mbekile will undoubtedly add valuable experience to coach Steve Barker's side as the club looks to solidify their status in the Premiership.

READ: Bucs confirm shock exit of midfielder

"Asavela is a player that wasn't on our radar but when a player with his experience becomes available, much like Nathan Sinkala, you have to act on it because of the quality they bring to the squad," Barker tells snl24.com/kickoff.

"He's a champion league winners that's played for the biggest teams in the country, and it's basically a no-brainer. We are excited to have him here at Stellenbosch."

The former AmaZulu and AmaTuks mentor further elaborated on what he believes the 33-year-old could offer his side.

"What attracted us to him is his versatility. I remember when I was at Tuks and he was at [Moroka] Swallows, he's one of the hardest working players you will see. He gets around the pitch and definitely adds value in any position he plays," Barker adds.

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Mbekile joins a number of big and vastly experienced PSL players to have played for the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, such as Robyn Johannes, Morgan Gould and Mark van Heerden.

The Cape-based outfit are currently just four points ahead of the relegation play-off spot, having accumulated 24 points from 21 games thus far.

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