Santos F.C. (South Africa)

Updated on Nov 25, 2023

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Nickname(s) The People's Team Chairman Goolam Allie Arena/Stadium Athlone Stadium		Ground Capacity 34,000 Coach Farouk Abrahams Founded 1982

Full name Engen Santos Football Club Ground Athlone Stadium, Athlone, Cape Town Leagues National First Division, Premier Soccer League

Santos Football Club or simply Santos, also known under their sponsored title as Engen Santos, is a South African football club based in the Lansdowne suburb of the city of Cape Town that plays in the National First Division.

History

The club was established in Heideveld on the Cape Flats in 1982 and was originally known as Lightbodys Santos FC. During apartheid it was renowned for the insistence on non-racial inclusivity – hence the nickname The People's Team.

They played in the Federation Professional League (FPL), the only truly non-racial football body in the country from 1982 to 1990. They won the championship in 1983/4/6/7/8/90 before joining the National Soccer League.

The NSL became the PSL in 1996, with Santos earning promotion to the new league for the 1997–98 season. Santos tasted their first success in the new format of the league in 2001–02 when they surprisingly won the title under the mentorship of Gordon Igesund. This side featured players like Edries Burton, Andre Arendse, Musa Otieno and the club's all-time top goalscorer Jean-Marc Ithier. With the title win Santos became the first – and to date the only – team that was not a founder-member of the PSL to win the league.

They were also crowned Bob Save Super Bowl winners in 2001 and BP Top 8 winners in 2002.

Santos were relegated from the PSL at the end of the 2011–12 season for the first time in the club's history. After finishing 15th in the league they entered the 2011–12 PSL Playoff Tournament where they were pitted against Chippa United and Thanda Royal Zulu. Heading into their final playoff game Santos needed a win over Chippa United to maintain their PSL status but they were defeated 4–3 and subsequently relegated, with Chippa United taking their place in the PSL.

Notable former coaches

David Bright (2008–09)

Roald Poulsen (2004)

Jean-Marc Ithier (2007–08)

Mart Nooij (2012)

Clive Barker (2000–01, 2005)

Gordon Igesund (2001–02)

Roger De Sa (2005–07)

Boebie Solomons (2003–04, 2009–11)

Muhsin Ertugral (2003)

Honours

PSL Champions: 2001/02

ABSA Cup Winners: 2003

FPL League Champions: 1983, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90

FPL Cup Winners: 1985, 88, 90

Challenge Cup Winners: 1988

Bob Save Super Bowl Winners: 2001

BP Top 8 Winners: 2002

Club records

Most starts: Edries Burton 409

Most goals: Jean-Marc Ithier 70

Most capped player: Musa Otieno

Most starts in a season: Cassiem Mohamed 44 (1993)

Most goals in a season: Duncan Crowie 19 (1991)

Record victory: 6–0 v Intercity Aces (6/3/99, Bob Save Super Bowl); vs Beau West City (26/2/05, Absa Cup); vs Cemforce FC (12/3/05, Absa Cup); vs Island FC (11/3/06, Absa Cup)

Record defeat: 1–7 v Mamelodi Sundowns (19/8/98, PSL)

Premier Soccer League record

2011/2012 – 15th (relegated)

2010/2011 – 8th

2009/2010 – 4th

2008/2009 – 10th

2007/2008 – 3rd

2006/2007 – 10th

2005/2006 – 8th

2004/2005 – 12th

2003/2004 – 6th

2002/2003 – 9th

2001/2002 – 1st

2000/2001 – 5th

1999/2000 – 11th

1998/1999 – 16th

1997/1998 – 16th

Club officials/Technical team

Chairman: Goolam Allie

Coach: Zeca Marques

Assistant coaches: Keith America and Gordon Witbooi

Marketing & Media Officer: Illhaam Dramat

Goalkeeper coach: Nigel Dixon

First team squad

As of April 6, 2015. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Shirt sponsor: Goolam Sports

Kit manufacturer: Winner

References

Santos F.C. (South Africa) Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

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