Chippa United have secured the services of defender Ryan Rae, who spent the past six years in the books of now-defunct Johannesburg outfit Highlands Park.
The 29-year-old was one of the first-team regulars at the Lions of the North, making 45 league appearances out of a total of 60 since the club’s return to the top flight in 2018.
Ryan Rae secures Chippa United move
He becomes the latest player from the club to secure a move elsewhere since the club’s sale to the owners of TS Galaxy.
Chippa confirmed on Thursday that Rae joins the club on a three-year contract.
⚪🔵 RYAN RAE
The Chilli Boys are pleased to announce the signing of Ryan Rae. Ryan has signed a three-year contract.
Ryan is one of the most versatile players in the league. He was previously with the now defunct Highlands Park.
WELCOME RAE RAE#AyeyeChilliboysAyeye 🌶️🌶️🌶️ pic.twitter.com/RPlCxedjan
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) October 1, 2020
Signing spree
The Chilli Boys, who spent much of last season in a desperate bid to stave off relegation, have been one of the busier sides during the ongoing transfer window.
Ahead of their move from Port Elizabeth to East London, the club has made five signings since the end of the season.
Rae’s arrival was announced just two days after that of Sizwe Mdlinzo, who returns to the club after a stint at TS Galaxy, and Maloisane Ramasimong, who joined from Bloemfontein Celtic.
The other new faces at Chippa are former Bidvest Wits striker Eva Nga Bienvenu and Namibian defender Riaan Hanamub, who made a move down from Johannesburg-based outfit Jomo Cosmos.
The club also parted ways with defenders Diamond Thopola and Tercious Malepe, as well as attacking midfielder Meshack Maphangule. The trio spent the last season in Port Elizabeth on loan from Orlando Pirates, and have returned to their parent club.
Meanwhile, Nigerian forward Augustine Kwem has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain at Chippa until 2023.
