Thanda Royal Zulu have signed Tonic Chabalala, Nkosinathi Nhleko, Sibusiso Hadebe and James Madidilane in a bid to strengthen their side ahead of the 2008/09 Absa Premiership season.

Aside from signing these players from Orlando Pirates (Chabalala), Jomo Cosmos (Hadebe and Nhleko) and Bloemfontein Celtic (Madidilane), 'Amabhubesi' have also roped in former Moroka Swallows head coach Ian Gorowa as Roger Palmgren's new assistant.

Announcing the new recruits, Thanda team manager Thabani Gumede said his team would be in a position to fight for top honours in the new season thanks to these buys.

"We are glad to announce that we have found these good players and an experienced assistant coach to strengthen our team for the new season. We brought in Ian Gorowa because of his vast experience when it comes to South African soccer," Gumede told SAPA.

He added: "We didn't want to sack Palmgren because we know how good he is.

"We hope that the players we have roped in will help the club to achieve its goals and take it to another level."

Gumede said that Johan Eriksson, son of former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, would still be part of the technical team moving forward.

Meanwhile, Gorowa - who has signed a two-year contract with the Durban-based side - said he was pleased with his new deal.

"I'm very happy to be associated with a good club like Royal Zulu and I hope that the experience I have gained with my previous clubs will help me," concluded Gorowa.