The towering centre-half (right), who celebrated his 22nd birthday last week, signed a two year contract and joins the "Bannsiders" for pre-season training next week.

The player, who made a total of 53 competitive appearances for the Ballybofey side, is understood to have had other offers on the table but felt Coleraine was the right move for him.

"I've spoken to David Platt in relation to the future and I think a move into the Irish League will suit me," explained Marc.

"I had other offers but I like the opportunity of playing in the Irish League. It will be a new challenge for me and, hopefully, I will prove an important player to Coleraine once I settle in."

Mukendi's departure from Finn Park is a major loss to the Donegal club as his experience in the back four has proved invaluable this season.
And while Mukendi's move will surprise many, two other former Derry City players have also played their final games for James Gallagher's side as Harps continue to cut costs.

Midfielder, Ruairi Harkin, has returned to the Brandywell club following the completion of his loan deal while striker, David McDaid, has also left.

McDaid, who had been on loan with Sligo Rovers the previous season, has also completed his loan deal having played 15 games for Harps, scoring three goals in the process.

This latest news will not boost the confidence of the Donegal club as they prepare to host First Division title challengers, Sporting Fingal, in Ballybofey tomorrow night (Sat.)

Given the recent departures, the club's injury list and the suspension of winger, Marc Brolly, Gallagher does not have his sorrows to seek as Liam Buckley's men visit Finn Park for the first time.

Despite the difficulties, Harps have actually shown decent form of late with two wins and two draws in their last four outings, the most recent result coming at the Belfield Bowl a fortnight ago.

However, with a multitude of players absent, Harps will face a stern challenge against a team many consider to be one of the best sides in the lower division.

On the positive front, Michael Funston returns after missing that 1-1 result due to suspension. However, Conor Gethins (dislocated shoulder) and Johnny Havlin (knee tendonitis) are missing through injury while Oisin McMenamin and Mark Forker are both on duty with the Irish team at the World University Games in Belgrade.

Harps are likely to feature an inexperienced front pairing of Fintan Bonner and Mark Morgan, although Sean Houston has filled the more advanced role on occasions this season.

In the only previous meeting between the sides, in April, Fingal came out on top at Morton Stadium with Eamon Zayed scoring the only goal. Fingal is littered with ex-Premier Division players including Gary O'Neil, formerly of St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians; Stephen Paisley, who skippered Longford Town; goalkeeper Darren Quigley, who is on loan from Derry City, as well as Zayed and top scorer Robbie Doyle.
"This is going to be a very tough game for us," Gallagher admitted. "On paper, they have the best squad in this division and we need to stay in the game for as long as possible and play with plenty of energy and enthusiasm.

"We are a bit stretched in terms of numbers which has hampered our preparations. However, we will not be using this as an excuse and the 11 players who play this weekend will know exactly what is expected from them," he concluded.

Keane leads 'Tractor' Boys
Commenting ahead of the friendly match at Finn Park next Tuesday night, Ipswich Town boss, Roy Keane, said he was looking forward to visiting Donegal.

"I'm also looking forward to the game," said the Cork man. "The players will have been back in training for four or five days and will have got a feel of the ball so it will be a good test for us."

Furthermore, the ex-Ireland, Manchester United and Celtic player indicated that the "Tractor Boys" would be bringing a strong squad to Finn Park. "We will be taking a decent squad with us and I'll look to give as many of the players as I can a run out, but I don't want to be constantly making changes and slowing the game down.

"We will be taking the game seriously. I believe there is something at stake in every game, whether it be a pre-season friendly or the FA Cup Final. I'll be looking for the players to put down a marker for the first game of the season at Coventry," he concluded.

The game will kick-off at 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday next, July 7th and tickets are available from MM Store, Killybegs, Parkside Service Station, Drumkeen, McGee's Service Station, Falcarragh, Victor's Gift Shop, Letterkenny, The Sports Shop, Strabane, Melody Maker, Donegal Town and at Finn Park.