Soccer: Knights sign Ghanaian international

Ghanaian international Hamza Mohammed has joined the New Zealand Knights on a short-term contract as injury cover, the A-League soccer club said today.

He will fill in for fellow midfielder Jonas Salley, who is recovering from an ankle injury received in the 3-0 home loss to the Melbourne Victory two weekends ago.

Manager Paul Nevin said he knew of Mohammed, 25, from a stint spent with Ghana's national team.

"I was fortunate enough to do some work with Ghana last year and knew of Hamza's availability and ability," he said.

"He has travelled to us after a few weeks spent at Leeds United in England and is in good shape and ready to play."

Mohammed has 40 caps, but missed Ghana's appearance in the World Cup finals in Germany in mid-year.

He becomes the third African player in the Auckland-based club's squad, along Salley, who hails from the Ivory Coast, and fellow Ghanaian Malik Buari.

Mohammed arrived in New Zealand yesterday and watched his new team-mates lose 1-0 to defending champions Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium last night.

The Knights' next match is at home to the Central Coast Mariners next Thursday.

- NZPA