Chippa United have signed veteran midfielder Kurt Lentjies from Maritzburg United ahead of the 2017-18 Absa Premiership season.

The 32-year-old spent six seasons with the Team of Choice recently part ways with the club after captaining the club to their best-ever place in the Absa Premiership when they finished seventh during the 2016-17 campaign.

The former Maritzburg captain says he is grateful for what he has achieved with the club, but he believes that moving to Chippa is the best move for him and his family.

‘I have been here for six seasons and I believe it’s time for a change. There was a further one-year option to renew, but we agreed that it’s best that I move on,’ Lentjies told the Maritzburg United website.

‘Eastern Cape is closer to my home in Cape Town, which makes it an advantage for me and my family.

‘I am happy with what I achieved with Maritzburg United. I will never forget the fight from relegation against Cosmos, and last season’s achievement will be my highlight here’.

‘Thank you for the support. When we only won two games at Harry Gwala the year we almost got relegated, they still stood behind us and came in numbers. Thanks for the love and the boos (he laughed). I will miss the fans.’

The club’s chairman Farook Kadodia went on to express his gratitude for the contribution Lentjies made for Maritzburg United brand and their history.

‘Kurt has been a very good ambassador for the Maritzburg United brand. As Captain, he led from the front and made a significant contribution to the club achieving historic results,’ Kadodia said.

‘Unfortunately, in football, there are no permanent stays. I wish him well for the future with his new club.’

– This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za