Chippa United have announced the signing of 17 new players ahead of the new Absa Premiership season.

The Chilli Boys secured their highest ever Absa Premiership finish, placing seventh under coach Dan Malesela last season.

Chippa went on a strong recruitment drive during the off-season, amongst the new signings are Bongani Ndudula signed from Kaizer Chiefs and Menzi Masuku, who arrives from Orlando Pirates, reports the Chippa United website.

The 51-year-old coach insists he is delighted with the players he has signed for the upcoming season and also reserved special praise for the club’s chairman.

‘We are pleased with the players we have signed ahead of the new season, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the chairman, Mr Siviwe Mpengesi, and the rest of the management for their continued support,’ said Malesela.

‘I have had an opportunity to work with most of our new signings at various levels and have no doubt that they fit our style of play and will add value to the team.’

The former Cape Town All Stars coach went on to say that he has signed young talents who are eager to prove themselves but have also retained the services of their core members of the squad.

‘We have recruited a young and exciting bunch of players who are eager to make a name for themselves and contribute to the team’s objective,’ he added.

‘We also managed to retain the core of the players we had last season despite interest from other teams. We are aware of the challenges ahead, and the expectations from our fans and partners after what was an impressive season for us.

‘We know that we cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue to work harder to bring joy to our supporters nationwide. We cannot do this alone as the technical team, we need your support in order for us to take this brand to another level.’

Club chairman Chippa Mpengesi remains confident that the Chilli Boys can reach their objective for the upcoming season.

‘We are confident going into the new season, but have no illusions about the amount of work required to meet our objectives, among them to remain in the top eight and challenge for a trophy. We want to remain competitive and make both Nelson Mandela Stadium and Absa Stadium our fortresses,’ Mpengesi said.

‘We have a solid management team, and a stable technical team for the first time in a while. I am confident that the people we have on board are highly professional people, who are passionate about this club. We want to continue growing as a football club and most importantly support the efforts of the head coach, Dan Malesela.’

Chippa will be captained by Andile Mbenyane this season while Diamond Thopola will serve as his deputy.

Full list of new signings:

Sherwin Bailey, Bulumko Ceki, Xolani Mdaki, Vusumzi Mncube, Sizwe Mdlinzo, Strydom Wambi, Paseka Maku, Phetolo Sekome, Tshwarelo Bereng, Siphesihle Stuurman, Bongani Ndudula, Kristopher Bergman, Zama Dlamini, Veli Mothwa and Menzi Masuku.

Image: Chippa United website