He’s not just here to make up the numbers though and will be providing stiff competition to Shu-aib Walters and Tashrique Goldman – in his debut against Ajax Cape Town, Chansa showed he has lost none of his agility as he made several outstanding saves.

“I was always interested in coming to play for the team, because I saw they have good players, they are professional, they play direct football, so I was very happy to come to the team and try and contribute something,” he said.

“I was training with Farouk Abraham in Cape Town, or with Farouk Khan in Jo’burg, at his academy, doing specialist goal keeping, and when the chance came to sign for United, it was an easy choice.

“I have been playing in South Africa since 1996, with Golden Arrows, Pirates, Santos, Wits, Aces, and now Maritzburg, and I hope I can bring my experience to the club.”

Chansa now calls South Africa home, but says that he visits the Democratic Republic of Congo whenever possible.

“This is my home now, although I miss the DRC, there’s nothing like home, so I always go in the off-season to visit my family and contribute to the community.

“When I first moved here, as a foreigner It was tough, it was not easy, not easy. I needed to work hard, and luckily I had people supporting me, that made a difference and made me settle more easily.”

Having been around for 15 years, Chansa has seen many changes to the league, and feels things are moving in the right direction.

“I think at the moment it’s improved a lot – after the World Cup there has been big changes, when you look at the teams, they are competitive and a lot of young players are coming through.”

The 36-year-old is renowned for his acrobatics in between the poles – like most keepers, Chansa has a bit of a crazy streak, although he claims those days of youthful exuberance are behind him

“I’m getting old now! In two or three years I plan to retire from football to concentrate on my own business in Cape Town - at the moment I just need to work hard on getting in the right shape – luckily my body adapts fast and I can get fit quickly.”