Orlando Pirates have signed former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Benson Mhlongo on a three-year contract.

According to the official Pirates website, the deal was finalised after a meeting between club management and the player's representative earlier in the week.

"We are very pleased to have a player of Mhlongo’s calibre joining the team," said Pirates Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

"Mhlongo is strong and very useful in the air. I have no doubt that he will fit in well with the rest of the team."

Mhlongo made his professional football debut in 2001 when he was signed by BidVest Wits at the tender age of 21.

After spending four years with the 'Clever Boys', Mhlongo secured a big move to the Tshwane-based Mamelodi Sundowns in 2005, where he played 23 games in his first season with the 'Brazilians'.

In all, the Bafana Bafana defender made 76 appearances for Sundowns, scoring four goals in the process.

Benson Mhlongo fact file:

Full name: Benson Simphiwe Mhlongo Date of Birth: 9 November 1980 Place of Birth: Alexandra, South Africa Height: 1,82m Position: Defensive midfielder, defender