Bidvest Wits have announced that striker Phakamani Mahlambi has signed a new long-term contract, which keeps him at the club until June 2021.

The Students are currently placed third in the Absa Premiership standings with 31 points, having won eight out of 15 matches played so far this season.

Bidvest Wits CEO Jose Ferreira has heaped praise on Mahlambi after pledging his long-term future to the club.

‘Phakamani is one of the most talented players in the long and proud history of this club,’ Ferreira told the Bidvest Wits website.

‘He personifies our strong and firm commitment to the development of young players and to provide them with the opportunities to play at the highest level, both locally and at international level.

‘By committing his long-term future to Bidvest Wits, Phakamani has demonstrated his loyalty to our club and we have no doubt that, with us, he will be able to fulfill his dream of playing overseas.’

The 19-year-old says he is grateful and delighted to have committed his future to the club and says he would be hoping to repay the club by helping the team win silverware.

I’m delighted to have extended my contract at Bidvest Wits and would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play professional football in the PSL,’ Mahlambi said.

‘The club took good care of me when I was injured and I hope to repay them by helping my team win many trophies. My ultimate dream is to play in Europe and I’m sure that through Bidvest Wits I will be able to achieve both goals.’

Since making his debut for Wits during the 2015-16 season, he has scored seven times and has assisted a further six from 20 appearances in all competitions.

Bidvest Wits will next welcome Baroka to the Bidvest Stadium when the two side’s meet in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.