Santos over the past 18 months have had a very up and down ride, struggling to find consistency to reclaim their position in the top flight of South African football. However, there has been some light at the end of the tunnel for the once PSL champions. The past 18 months has seen the emergence of some exciting young players who have made their way into various national teams. The likes of Fagrie Lakay (now with Supersport United), Cheslyn Jampies (now with Jomo Cosmos), Suhayl Allie, Carl Lark and more recently Iqraam Rayners, who have come through the Santos youth structures, have been called up to various national team camps and represented the u20, u23 and senior national team of South Africa. These players join the likes of Erwin Isaacs, Eleazar Rodgers and Vuyisile Wana just to mention a few who have in recent years worn the green and gold while in the yellow of The Peoples' Team. We would like to take this opportunity to wish both Cheslyn Jampies and Iqraam Rayners well on their endeavours with the national teams.

Santos have made their intensions clear of winning promotion to the Premier Soccer League when they acquired the services of Andile Nqabeni from Moroka Swallows and Royal Eagles' Mfanufuthi Dlamini last week. According to the Santos assistant coach Keith America these two players will definitely add more experience to the squad. "Our aim is to reach the playoff spots and will need all the experience to achieve our goal," America told our website. “And learning from past experiences that is something we’ve lacked.” Both Dlamini and Nqabei also featured in Santos 0-1 loss to Witbank Spurs on Sunday. The People's Team were there biggest enemy by squandering a few clear cut chances against Spurs. To make matters worse Cody August scored an own goal which contributed to the demise of the Cape Town outfit. Santos face Milano United tomorrow (15:30)in a Cape derby in the Athlone Stadium. Needless to say that sparks could fly as there is more than just a rich history between these two teams. Milano is also coached by Boebie Solomons who previously had two stints with the People's Team.

Santos striker Faizel Johnson says he is "chuffed" to contribute to the team and is looking to score goals more regularly. The diminutive figure rescued a valuable point for the People's Team in Sunday's away clash against Mbombela United. Johnson came off the bench to score only his second goal of the season. The pint size player broke through the middle of the field to unleash a low drive which gave the Mbombela goalkeeper no chance to stop the shot. Just before the final whistle Johnson had another opportunity to seal the game but was hurried and he squandered the chance. The former Glendene United player said he is just happy to command a position the Santos team. "Firstly I need to add that it's good to be injury free and playing again," Johnson told our website. "I was out for a whole season with a knee injury and it was very frustrating, you know. "But that's all in the past and I am hungry to score more goals and to help the club win promotion," said Johnson.

Santos coach Zeca Marques cries foul over the poor officiating particularly in the National First Division (NFD) and says there is no justice in soccer. This follows after Santos was beaten 1-2 by Mthatha Bucks in their previous home match in the Athlone Stadium. Marques was fuming over a dubious first half penalty which change the fortunes of the People's Team and ultimately contributed to them dropping valuable points at home. Santos are still languishing in the 10th spot on the log with 18 points from 15 matches. Marques told our website: "There is just no justice in this league. "All your hard work, planning and preparation counts for nothing because there are certain individuals that decide the outcome of a match. "It’s quite difficult to coach against things like this, you know. "I can manage my players but definitely I can't manage things that's out of my control. "Sometimes I don't know why people get involved in soccer if it is not for the right reasons. "There is just no truth in soccer. "The clubs spend a lot of money but for what? "What is the use we are still playing to win promotion when matches are already pre-determined? "You might as well follow what they do in the states where they have franchises and just play - no one goes up and no one comes down. "At least we would have ethics," Marques concluded. The Cape Town side played out to a 1-1 draw with Mbombela United Sunday in in the Kanyamazane Stadium. Mbombela went in front through Zolani Nkombelo’s 34th minute effort, but couldn’t hold on for the win as the visitors equalised in the second half through Faizel Johnson.

Santos goalkeeper Tashrique Goldman says he is working extremely hard to win back the number one jersey from his teammate Grant Nieuwenhuys. Goldman suffered an injury in the beginning of the season and has since then struggled to win back his place in coach Zeca Marques' starting eleven. This is also largely due to Nieuwenhuys’ brilliant performances of late. Nieuwenhuys has been pivotal in the People’s Team surge up the log and has been very vocal commanding the last line of his defence. “Credit should go to Grant,” Goldman told our website. “The truth of the matter is that he has been doing well, so has the team. “Personally I am itching to get back onto the playing field. "It is also important for me to get my confidence back. “So I cannot wait to get my opportunity to start playing again. "For now I will just have to keep on working hard and to stay focussed,” said the former Chippa United and Black Leopards goalkeeper.

Santos coach Zeca Marques says they is are aiming for at least a playoff position when the National First Division resumes this weekend. Santos host the PE based side Mthatha Bucks on January 12th in the Athlone Stadium in the f1rst game of 2016. The People's Team is definitely a different kettle of fish since Marques took over the reins at the beginning of the season - more organised and resilient in defence. The Lansdowne based side played their last friendly match - a 1-0 victory over Hellenic - yesterday after wrapping up their preparations after the festive period. "We are at least looking to finish in the top three which will secure us a playoff spot,” Marques told our website. "If we can win the league, it is a bonus, who knows? Nothing is impossible. " “The confidence and enthusiasm is there and the payers are starting to believe in themselves. "It will be important to create the winning culture at the club and to build on that. Marques said he also expects to strengthen his squad when during the transfer window which currently open. "I think we are one of the smallest squads with 21 or 22 players. "In my opinion, we still need with two or three players to give us the necessary depth and balance," Marques concluded.

Santos FC will hosting trails for under 19 players(Cut off age is 1996-1997 only) Details are as follow: Division: U.19 Date: Saturday 16th January 2016 Time: 09H30 for 10H00 Venue: Santos Academy, 314 Imam Haron Road, Lansdowne Requirements: 1) Players are to bring along a certified copy of ID or Birth Certificate as proof of identification. 2) Soccer Boots 3) Shingaurds 4) Training kit (Shorts, T-shirt, Socks) 5) Goalkeeper (Gloves only) For any further inquiries contact the Santos office on 021 696 8193.

Santos coach Zeca Marques are aiming for at least a playoff position when the National First Division resumes this weekend. Santos host the PE based side Mthatha Bucks on January 12th in the Athlone Stadium in the f1rst game of 2016 The People's Team is definitely a different kettle of fish since Marques took over the reins at the beginning of the season - more organised and resilient in defence. The Lansdowne based side played their last friendly match - a 1-0 victory over Hellenic - yesterday after wrapping up their preparations after the festive period. "We are at least looking to finish in the top three which will secure us a playoff spot,” Marques told our website. "If we can win the league, it is a bonus, who knows? Nothing is impossible. " “The confidence and enthusiasm is there and the payers are starting to believe in themselves. "It will be important to create the winning culture at the club and to build on that. Marques said he also expects to strengthen his squad when during the transfer window which currently open. "I think we are one of the smallest squads with 21 or 22 players. "In my opinion, we still need with two or three players to give us the necessary depth and balance," Marques concluded.