The multi-talented footballer, who was one of the stars during the Cape club's purple patch a few years ago, recently returned to Cape Town from Mamelodi Sundowns.

His move back to Santos FC was part of a swop deal with the Brazilians, with Thando Mngomeni going the other way.

Arendse, from Blackheath in the Mother City, attended Kleinvlei High School - and, rather bizarrely, never played football as a club junior or amateur. He only played for his school team.

But it was as a result of his performances for the WP Schools team that well-known school master Gavin Manuel recommended him to Santos - and the rest, as they say, is history.

He started in the Santos under-19s, played for the Reserve Team and progressed to the PSL team. Here, he helped Santos to their most successful period in football's topflight, winning the PSL title, the Bobsave Super Bowl, the BP Top 8 and the Absa Cup between 2000-2002.

His meteoric rise with Santos caught the eye of the country, and Arendse was snapped up by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and selected for Bafana Bafana.

But a car accident, in which he fractured his ribs, was to set Arendse back.

He was out for six months and, on his return, battled to get back into the Pirates first team.

He moved to Sundowns, but was still not able to regain his form or former glory.

This inspired the transfer back to Santos.

"I watched Santos play last season and they really excited me," said Arendse.

"They have an exciting style of play and a number of promising youngsters.

"I promise you, among this lot, I feel very old.

"I'm looking forward to the season and hopefully inspiring another run of silverware like the last time I was here at Santos."