The 24-year-old made the move from Gaborone United to Dikwena after his contract with the Botswana side expired at the end of June.

Stars general manager Senzo Mazingiza revealed via the club’s Twitter page that Dikwena has signed Kunene and Shilongo on a permanent deal.

‘We have acquired the services of the veteran Henrico Botes as well as Thobani Kunene and Benson Shilongo,’ Mazingiza said.

‘He was a top scorer at Gaborone United in Botswana. We have been following him also in Cosafa. He is turning 24.

The forward has already played for the like of Namibian side’s Ramblers, Oshakati City, Tigers Windhoek and South African side Blackburn Rovers before joining Gaborone United in 2014.

‘We are tightening our belt. We are working within what we can afford,’ he added.

‘We are also looking at adding one or two more players. We hope to finalise that within two weeks.’

The club has already parted ways with a number of players including Bouna Coundoul, Kagiso Mlambo, Thabiso Semenya, Letladi Madubanya, Sibusiso Hadebe, Mahlatse Makudubela, Tlou Segolela, Eleazar Rodgers, Emmanuel Mathias, Mduduzi Nyanda and Vincent Khumalo.

Image: Botswana Premier League website