Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Algerian defender Fares Hachi after his contract with ES Setif expired, making him a free agent.

The 26-year-old defender has joined the Chloorkop club on an initial four-year deal, with an option to extend by a season, after he was identified by the Sundowns technical team following an analysis of their opponents during the Caf Champions League.

Hachi has been training with the team through the mid-season camp and has shown confidence on the ball which has pleased coach Pitso Mosimane.

‘We like him. We like the player and what is important is that he also wants to play here (in South Africa) and wants to play Caf football,’ Mosimane told the club website.

Hachi’s signing has been registered with the PSL with the Algerian in the squad to play against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Sundowns have also confirmed that Anthony Laffor has signed a new two-year contract, while star goalkeeper Denis Onyango has committed his future to the club by inking a new four-year deal.