7 August 2017 – Santos have begun with their preparations for life in the SAFA Western Cape ABC Motsepe League, with a familiar face in club legend Tyren Arendse in charge of their pre-season preparations.
The People’s Team will add extra flavour to the eagerly anticipated ABC Motsepe League campaign, following their relegation from the National First Division last season.
Arendse, a Santos youth product, has carved an 18 year career worthy of being called a Cape Town football legend. The natural progression is to coach the next generation from the club, but he has yet to make up his mind on his playing career.
“The body is still feeling good, but I haven’t made a final decision yet,” the 36-year-old said during an interview with SAFA Western Cape. “I’m not the office type, coaching is something that I definitely want to pursue.
“I’ve been planning it, I’ve already done my SAFA D and C Coaching license, which is the first two steps. The next one is obviously the B license. It’s just another challenge for me, which is something that I like.
“The office is not for me, I need to be on the field, whether playing or on the sidelines, that’s where I need to be. I’m always ready and able, I’ve been with this club for quite some time now. Wherever the club needs me, I’m willing to take up the role.”
Santos have had to trim their squad for their SAFA Second Division campaign, with a few new and younger faces currently being assessed by the club.
“A lot of players have left from last season, so basically, I’m getting the team together to see what players we have, which players can still add value to the team. We need to build a team, we need to get the players to the right fitness levels.
“We’re playing some friendlies to have a look at some players and test ourselves to know where we stand.”
Arendse is adamant that they are not in the league just to add numbers said but have their sights set on challenging for honours and push to return to the top flight.
“We want to win the league, it would be pointless to play in the ABC Motsepe League and not aspire to win the league. So we need to assemble a squad that would at least give us a chance to win the league.