Maritzburg skipper Fransman joins Highlands Park

Highlands Park will return for their second season in the top flight after they won the National First Division last season, having been relegated the season before that.

The 34-year-old Fransman, a nominee for the PSL Defender of the Season, had a superb season for Maritzburg, helping them achieve a club best fourth place finish in the league while conceding the second least goals in the division.

It was thought that Fransman, who previously played for Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic, could be headed to his home-town club of Cape Town City.

But it's now emerged he'll be headed up to Johannesburg to play for the Lions of the North.

The player's agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, told Soccer Laduma:

"Obviously, Bevan isn't getting any younger. Highlands Park offered him a good deal, he thought long and hard before deciding to move back to Gauteng.

Fransman confirmed the move as well:

"I have spent a large portion of my career playing in Gauteng. I have a home and family here and this opportunity arose for me to join such an established and ambitious club like Highlands Park.

"I was up for the challenge, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and can't wait for the season to begin."

Maritzburg have already signed Denwin Farmer from SuperSport as a replacement in defence, while Siyanda Xulu will take over the captaincy at the KZN Midlands team.