Vitesse Arnheim have secured the services of Bafana Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero from Ajax Amsterdam on a three-year deal.

The move ends speculation regarding the future of the 28-year-old South Africa international, who spent the majority of the last two seasons plying his trade for the reserve team, after initially forming an integral part of the Dutch side’s progress in his first three seasons at the club.

The former Ajax Cape Town man has 30 national team caps to his name, but did not form part of Bafana’s most recent 25-man squad that did duty in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying victory against Nigeria.

Vitesse technical director Mo Allach revealed his delight at having snapped up Serero, saying that he will help add quality to the side that finished in fifth position in the Dutch league last season.

‘Serero will strengthen our midfield. He is a player who has both control and good football ability,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘In addition, he is able to play in several positions in the midfield. The personal conversation with Thulani was very good and proved that he wanted to compete with Vitesse with great confidence. Given his age, experience and transfer status, he is an important boost for us,’ he said.

Serero insists that he will get back to his best after a somewhat disappointing end to his Amsterdam career.

‘After a good period at Ajax where I played a lot, it was followed by a disappointing spell of not playing weekly. Now that my contract ends in Amsterdam, it’s time for a new club.

‘I know Vitesse are a good team and last year I saw them win the cup. My qualities fit perfectly with Vitesse’s play. And playing in the Europa League is also a nice challenge for me,’ he added.

Serero becomes the second player to have been bought, following the acquisition of Thomas Bruns from Heracles Almelo.

Photo: Vitesse website