South African goal shoot Lenize Potgieter will join the team for the 2019 season, one of seven signings announced today.
The 24-year-old has been one of the dominant players in the ANZ Premiership in recent years for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
She said it was a tough decision to leave the Magic, but the well-known culture within the Steel was an attraction.
"It was a tough decision. I've made friends while being at the Magic and Waikato became my home for two years but sometimes you've got to be bold and challenge yourself,” she said.
"I've heard and seen great things from the community-perspective with the Steel - that everyone is kind, caring and loving.
"I can also see that there's a very good team culture in the Steel and that I think is one of the most important aspects. They're a team that don't give up – even if they're 11 goals behind, they end up winning the championship."
It does pose the question of how the side's shooters will be managed, with Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jennifer O'Connell both re-signed.
Midcourters Shannon Francois and Gina Crampton have also been re-signed, as has Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Courtney Elliott.
See tomorrow's Otago Daily Times for more.
