Santos coach David Notoane has hailed the qualities of Ghana international John Paintsil.

Notoane believes the defender brings experience to the rear of the People’s Team as well as serve as a mentor to the younger ones.

“I'm very, very happy. The quality of the player, the experience of the player is undoubted, and he demonstrated that he will add value in terms of leadership and guidance for the younger ones," Notaone told the club’s website.

“You can see he plays more with his head. He's a very intelligent player so it gives us the opportunity to look at things differently in terms of our choices in defence and in midfield.

“From day one his technical ability was undoubted while his leadership skills and influence on the younger ones, I think will be very valuable - based on his experiences and tactical insight into the game,” the second-tier side’s coach added.

Paintsil has previously played at West Ham, Fulham and Leicester City all in England before heading to Israel on a short stint with Hapoel Tel Aviv for the second time.