Santos weren’t good enough

Santos have vowed to fight their way back into the Premier Soccer League.

Relegated to the First Division, after a 4-3 defeat to Philippi neighbours Chippa United on Saturday, Santos are giving themselves just one season to get back.

“We are obviously very disappointed,” said Santos chairman Goolam Allie. “We let Cape Town down. We have always been the pride of the city for being in the top-flight for many years. Now we have a duty to ensure that we get back up there again.

“Congratulations to Chippa. At least, they are also a team from the Cape, so when we get back, we can have three teams in the PSL.

“We are giving ourselves a year to fight back and return to where we belong.”

Allie said he would retain the nucleus of the squad to do battle in the First Division next season, but admitted he would have to lose a few players for financial reasons. He wasn’t prepared to mention names at this stage, but it’s clear that top players like Erwin Isaacs, Eleazar Rodgers and Wayne Arendse would be on the shopping list of a few PSL clubs.

Santos coach Mart Nooij was a disappointed man, and he wasn’t prepared to say whether he would be with the team next season.

“The problem with Saturday’s game was the same problem this team has experienced since I arrived,” said the Dutchman. “We made early errors to allow Chippa a 2-0 lead and then fought back well to make it 2-2. But then, again, two defensive mistakes at crucial moments in the match, and we lost.

“As for me, I can’t talk about my future. I came here to save the team, it didn’t happen. I don’t know.”

Santos captain Tyren Arendse cut a disconsolate figure after the defeat and the team’s subsequent relegation.

“Congratulations to Chippa on their promotion and I wish them all the best in the future,” said Arendse.

“But, for us at Santos, it is a huge disappointment. I feel very sorry for the people involved at this club. They depended on us, as players, to keep the team in the PSL, but we failed. We let them down.

“But to be honest we just weren’t good enough this season. Statistics don’t lie. During the PSL season, we managed to win only seven games, and pick up 27 points from 30 games; as players we have to take responsibility for what has happened to the club.

“There are good players here, with lots of potential, but we did not deliver this season. From my point of view, if the club wants me, I am available to help return the team to the PSL.” – Cape Argus