Patrick Phungwayo is the latest player to join Free State Stars, who have continued strengthening their squad even after the transfer window closed.

Having been released by Orlando Pirates, Phungwayo was out of contract and therefore a free agent and available for signing at any time.

After a brief trial at Stars, the 29-year-old was offered a one-year contract on Monday.

The diminutive full back started his career at Bidvest Wits before playing in Greece for one season at Panionios. Financial problems at the club forced him to return home.

He returned to South Africa and Wits, before moving to Pirates in 2012.

Phungwayo will be in line to make his debut next week when Stars play against Mamelodi Sundowns in their third match of the Absa Premiership season. They have a single point from their opening two clashes.

Stars have made extensive signings in recent weeks in a bid to prove competitive this season, including Guinea defender Bangali Keita, goalkeepers Badra Ali Sangare (Ivory Coast) and Olivier Kwizera (Rwanda), and the club has seen Sello Japhta return from Pirates.