Free State Stars  signed Congolese international midfielder Cesaire Gandze from AC Leopards on a one year deal with an option to extend for an  the club confirmed on Friday.

Gandze has been linked to Stars for a while now,and was seen as the perfect replacement for Nhlahla Vilakazi who left Stars at the end of the season to sign for Amazulu

Gandze has made 18 appearance in the Caf Champions League for Leopards,Stars are preparing to take part in the CAF Confederation Cup late this year.

Gandze won the Confederation Cup in 2012 with AC Leopards,He also reached the semi finals of the Champions League one year later.

“It’s a great feeling.I am really happy to have finally joined Free State Stars and hope to give them my very best in the league and other competitions”Gandze said .

“I would describe myself as a tough tackling midfielder,I am massive (laugh). I can pass the ball around,but I would say my best attribute is breaking down opposition attacks”he added.

Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael is excited by the Stars latest acquisition with Gandze set to shine in the number six role at the club

He is a nuggety midfielder quite aggressive very strong.Hopefully he can adjust and settle in quickly.

He has a bit of bite in him,he gets stuck in  and keen it simple Eymael concluded.