Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo on Monday signed a season-long loan deal with English Championship side Reading from Tottenham Hotspur.

Khumalo, who was in South Africa recently to play for Spurs in the Vodacom Challenge, expressed his delight at joining the Royals.

"It is amazing to be here," Khumalo told the Reading website.

He added: "It’s an unbelievable set-up and I just got a great feeling from the club after playing here for Preston at the end of last season.

"I spoke with the manager and he was very ambitious with his plans for the season ahead, so there was only one option for me. It just feels great."

Reading manager Brian McDermott said he was happy to have the Bafana Bafana defender on his books.

"Bongani is a player we know very well," said McDermott.

"He played against us for the Spurs reserves and also while on loan to Preston North towards the end of last season before his unfortunate leg injury.

"I'd like to thank Harry Redknapp at Tottenham for allowing Bongani the opportunity to come out on loan and for giving us the opportunity to have him here. We are delighted to have him with us," commented McDermott.