Eastbourne Borough are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Siyabonga Ligendza from AFC Fylde.

The forward joined the Sports on loan from the National League side for the rest of the season last month, but now has put pen to paper on a permanent move to Priory Lane subject to approval.

The attacker is no stranger to boss Adam Murray having worked with him at Mill Farm last season, and has already shown he is capable of making an impact on the Sussex coast.

“The club has made me feel so welcome, I have loved it here,” said Ligendza, who has two goals in three appearances since making the switch down south.

“I love the club and the direction it’s taking, they’ve taken a chance on me and I don’t want to let them down.

“Me and Adam have a great relationship. He’s matured me a lot, changed my game and given me belief in myself.

“I want to continue helping the team and get the club to where it needs to be.

“The support has been great, there was a great atmosphere last weekend and I hope they can spur us on even more in the weeks ahead.”

Siya joined AFC Fylde from Cardiff City, where he began his career at just eight years old, working his way through the Academy system.

The Leicester-born forward signed a professional contract with the Welsh club in 2021 before netting 40 goals over two-and-a-half years for the development squads at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Someone with both Welsh and South African citizenship, Siya was named on the preliminary shortlist for South Africa’s 2021 Olympic Games squad in Tokyo.

He scored six goals in 24 matches for Fylde last term as he helped them lift the National League North title.