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Kermit Erasmus seals Vitoria Setubal move

Kermit Erasmus in action for South Africa Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

South Africa international Kermit Erasmus has signed for Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Setubal, the club confirmed on Friday.

Erasmus, 28, had seen his career stalled somewhat since an ill-fated move to Stade Rennes in Ligue 1, and was most recently playing for Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna.

He has signed a two-year contract to play in the elite league in Portugal, and will be the second South African to feature for the club after former Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler, who Erasmus reveals was instrumental in his decision to sign.

"When the opportunity arose to come and represent Vitória, I spoke with my former coach [at Orlando Pirates], Eric Tinkler, who gave me the best references of the club," Erasmus told his new team's website.

"He told me a little about the history and grandeur of Vitória and especially about the good fish that is eaten in Setubal, but which, I confess, I am not very fond of!

"I am very, very proud and happy to be able to represent Vitoria. I will do my best in every game in every game to help the team win as many games as possible."

Erasmus will wear the number 95 jersey, which he hopes will bring him more luck than the last few years.

"It's the very special number for me that I played with in the national team and it's been very lucky for me. I hope it continues here in Vitória. I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and to start showing my football ability."

Erasmus burst onto the scene as a teenager with SuperSport United in the 2008/09 season, before moving to Feyenoord in the Netherlands.

He failed to win game time there and returned to Matsatsanta, later moving on to Pirates. After his failed spell in France, he moved to Sweden at the start of this season and scored two goals in nine league starts.