Versatile defender Kgosi Ntlhe has become the latest Barrow AFC player to commit his future to the club.

The 27-year-old has signed a new one-year deal to remain with Mark Cooper’s new-look Bluebirds.

Ntlhe’s deal came a day after keeper Josh Lillis put pen to paper on new terms as player-coach.

The former Peterborough man made 26 appearances last season, after joining Barrow in the summer of 2020 ahead of their first season back in the Football League.

South Africa-born Ntlhe’s tally included 20 league starts, with the ex-Stevenage, Rochdale and Scunthorpe man operating in the middle of defence or on the left.

His new deal ensures continued competition for places at the back as Cooper’s new regime prepares to unfold at Holker Street for the forthcoming 2021/22 campaign.

Ntlhe says he wants to use his first campaign at the Progression Solicitors Stadium as a “platform” to make further progress with the Bluebirds.

“I am very pleased to get the deal done before pre-season starts and I can’t wait to get going,” he said on the club website.

“Last year I had a couple of injuries, but I finished the season feeling fit and I was pleased with my form and the team’s form towards the end of the year, so I just want to build on that now.

“There were definitely plenty of ups and downs during my first season, but we reached our goals [of survival in League Two] and now we have to use that as a platform.

“I’ve seen that the new manager has been bringing in some new players to make our squad stronger, so I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting cracking with the new season now.

“I think there’s a good feeling around the place with the new signings coming in and I definitely think we will be looking to compete next year.”

Ntlhe’s new contract announcement is the latest in a flurry of activity as Barrow prepare for life under new boss Cooper.

The Bluebirds have made six new signings so far as they back Cooper to deliver progress next season.

Paul Farman, Offrande Zanzala, Tom White, Josh Gordon, Remeao Hutton and Mark Ellis have already put pen to paper, with Cooper still on the hunt for further additions.

Barrow, meanwhile, are today set to learn their fixtures for the new League Two season.

The full schedule for the 2021/22 campaign will be published at 9am today. This afternoon also brings the first round draw for the Carabao Cup and the Papa John’s Trophy group stage.