Windhoek
Brave Warriors and South Africa premiership outfit Maritzburg United goalkeeper, Virgil Vries, was yesterday officially announced as one of the eight players whose contracts were renewed by the club – although the duration of the new contracts was not specified.
In a statement on the club’s website, Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia announced the club’s new signings, transfer updates and general club news ahead of the 2016/2017 campaign.
Alongside the Namibian international goalie, Kadodia also announced that the club have either renewed the contracts or have taken up options for other players led by captain Kurt Lentjies, Abia Nale, Deolin Mekoa, Mohau Mokate, Pogiso Sanoka, Fortune Makaringe and Lindo Mathebula.
Vries joined United in January 2013 from Namibian premiership outfit Orlando Pirates where he had a short-term contract. Initially, Vries made his major breakthrough across the Orange River when he joined Golden Arrows in 2011 from Namibian side Eleven Arrows, signing a three-year contract.
His stay at Golden Arrows did not last that long as in November that same year (2011), Vries suffered a huge blow when he made a blunder against Amazulu which resulted in an own goal – badly affecting his overall public persona in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
In January 2012, Vries was then loaned out to then Second Division side Carara Kicks but the Namibian shot-stopper opted to return home at the fall of the 2012/2013 season and join forces with Orlando Pirates before again returning to the PSL, this time joining Maritzburg United in 2013. Since then he has made 32 appearances for the club.
Meanwhile, the club has parted company with nine others. They are David Booysen, Mohammed Anas, Kwanda Mngonyama, Thamsanqa Teyise, Menzi Chili, Tawfeeq Sallie, Khumbulani Banda, Thamsanqa Mkhize and Ryan Moon.