The Cape Town side were relegated at the end of the last campaign and have lost some of their top talent in the form of strikers Erwin Isaacs and Eleazar Rodgers, as well as defender Wayne Arendse.

But the money they have secured from those sales has been used to bring Onyango to the club, as well as complete the permanent signing of Nasief Morris from SuperSport United.

The 18-year-old Onyango has been signed from top Kenyan Premier League team Tusker, who he helped to the League title last season. He was spotted while on duty with the national side against Namibia earlier this year and was offered a trial in June.

He says he had no doubts about signing for the second-tier side, especially as the player he modelled his game on, former Kenyan international captain Musa Otieno, is part of the Santos technical team.

"It's great to be here, this is a wonderful opportunity for me and a big step up in my career," Onyango told Sowetan.

"I have settled really well in Cape Town, Musa has helped a lot."

Although usually a centre back, Onyango says he can play in any position across the defensive line.

Meanwhile, coach Mart Nooij says he is happy with the squad for this season, which includes a host of new youngsters, most notably 15-year-old midfielder Fagrie Lakay.

Santos start their NFD campaign with a home match against Mother City rivals Vasco da Gama on Saturday.