Speaking from Perth before flying to Adelaide to join the Olyroos, Velaphi told www.au.fourfourtwo.com that it was exciting for him to sign his first full-time contract. “And for it to be the club that represents the city I grew up in makes it more special.”

Velaphi (pronounced Vel-ah-fee) made a name for himself last season after he played on loan for Queensland Roar. In his first ever A-League game, he was man of the match in a 2-1 Victory over Melbourne at the Dome.

“Playing in front such a big crowd made me pretty nervous. But after the game even the Victory players congratulated me.”

Velaphi grew up playing for Perth SC before being picked up by the AIS. He has since played briefly for Queensland and was on the roster at Newcastle.

Meanwhile Tommi Tomich has been retained by Perth Glory as a replacement player for injured keeper Jason Petkovic who is recovering from a broken leg sustained in round nine last season. Tomich made his Glory and A-League debut in round 12 and played the final 10 games for Perth.

Perth Glory coach Ron Smith has witnessed the rapid progression of Velaphi since first meeting him at the AIS and believes he will be a valuable acquisition for the club in goal.

“Tando is very quick with great agility and good hands, they’re all attributes that a lot of goal keepers aspire to,” Smith said.