Cape Town - Asavela Mbekile has found a new home after his release from Orlando Pirates by signing with Stellenbosch FC.

Mbekile, who can play at right-back and in central midfield, had his contract with Pirates terminated by mutual consent just a few days before the transfer window closed.

The 33-year-old had seen precious little game time since arriving at the Buccaneers in 2017 but is one South Africa’s rare footballers to have turned out for Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns.

Mbekile's greatest achievement is being part of the Sundowns squad that won the 2016/2017 CAF Champions League.

Stellies coach Steve Barker was delighted to get his man and believes Mbekile will be a great asset to the squad with his experience and versatility.

"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 told KickOff.

"He's a (CAF) 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.

"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."

With midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu having left the club to join Pirates, Mbekile could fill the void in the centre of the park.

Stellies were among the busiest in the transfer window, bringing in Granwald Scott, Nathan Sinkala, Ali Ntsengi, Ovidy Karuru and Mbekile.

- TeamTalk Media