South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns have signed Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga reportedly on a three-year contract as a free agent.

Watenga has been without a club since terminating his contract with Kenyan side Sofapaka FC in January and becomes the club’s 13th signing of this transfer window.

he is expected to be loaned out by Sundowns to most likely Golden Arrows for the 2020/21 season as he continues his development in South Africa.

Watenga will follow the foot steps of his senior compatriot Denis Onyango who has achieved legendary status with Masandawana since joining the club in 2011.

Onyango had a number of loan spells before settling at Sundowns in 2014 where went on to win five league titles, a CAF Champions League and two Nedbank Cups. In the process establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Africa.

The 25-year-old has been keen on following in Onyango’s footsteps, speaking to Football26 in April, he described the move to Sundowns as a dream come true.

“We all work hard to be like Denis or even better so if the chance [at Sundowns] comes to follow in his footsteps, it would be a dream come true,” he said.

The former Vipers SC goalkeeper had initial contact with Sundowns in February and was close to completing a deal after two-weeks trials at Chrkloop, before the coronavirus pandemic outbreak halted proceedings.

Sundowns then turned to Ricardo Goss who joined the club in July from Bidvest Wits. Goss will provide cover for ageing Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene – who agreed to a new three-year deal at Sundowns in June.

Sundowns who are looking at defending their PSL crown as they launch their post-Pitso Mosimane era have also enlisted the services of young goalkeeper Jody February from Ajax Cape town.

February will continue on loan at second division side Cape Umoya next season. Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse is also still on Sundowns’ books.