Giant Cameroonian defender Raymond Kalla has joined the newly promoted German side VfL Bochum from Extremadura in Spain.

The 27-year-old Kalla, who debuted for Cameroon just before the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA, has signed a three year contract with a option for a further two years.

The transfer was concluded before the start of the World Cup finals in Japan, where Kalla featured for the Indomitable Lions against Germany.

Cameroon had a disappointing World Cup in Japan, failing to reach the second round, despite high expectation of their prospects.

Kalla, a double African champion with his country, began his European club career in Greece but has been in the anonymity of the Spanish second division since 1998.

The imposing centre-back was recommended to Bochum by Cameroon's German-born coach Winfried Schafer.

Kalla has been granted a week's extra holiday by Bochum's coach Peter Neururer after his latest World Cup exertions.

He will be joining up with his new playing colleagues on 6 July for pre-season training.

Among Kalla's new team mates will be Delron Buckley, the South African international, who also competed at the World Cup finals.