Maritzburg United have confirmed that five key players have put pen to paper on new contracts with the club ahead of the 2021-22 DStv Premiership season.

The Team of Choice announced that Daylon Claasen, Clayton Daniels, Travis Graham, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Ryan Rae have all extended their stays at the club.

This will come as a major boost after the departures of a number of key players, including Bandile Shandu, who joined Orlando to Pirates and Thabiso Kutumela, who made the move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maritzburg have since released the following statement:

“Maritzburg United are pleased to announce than Daylon Claasen, Clayton Daniels, Travis Graham, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Ryan Rae have all extended their stays at the club.

“Claasen, Daniels, Graham and Rae’s experience will be important in the upcoming 2021-22 campaign, while as one of the most exciting young players in the PSL, Maritzburg are delighted that Hlongwane will continue to turn out in the Maritzburg United colours.

“Daniels arrived at the start of the 2020-21 season and proved a mainstay in the centre of the United defence, while the equally tenacious Graham had a similar impact in the centre of midfield in his first campaign in Pietermaritzburg.

“Rae came in at the midway stage of last season and also made a strong impact, with his versatility between defence and midfield an important component for Ernst Middendorp’s side.

“Claasen completed his second full season with the Team of Choice and his importance is clear to see; after playing all 30 league games in the 2019-20 season, he missed only one DStv Premiership match last season. The former Bafana Bafana playmaker’s silky skills, industry and vision add unique value to the side.

“Hlongwane is of course a Maritzburg United development product. While he made his first team debut in the 2018-19 season with a couple of substitute appearances, it’s fair to say that last season was his breakthrough campaign as he tallied 22 matches with three goals and three assists. It was also with a great sense of pride for Maritzburg that Bongokuhle was called up to the senior national side, Bafana Bafana, and was also nominated for the PSL Young Player of the Season award.

“The Team of Choice are pleased that all five players have shown their commitment to the club and we wish them all the best for the season ahead.”