Black Stars defender John Painstil  has been assigned a midfield role  at  his  new club  Polokwane City in south Africa.

 Painstil who convinced the technical team of his new club after spending a few days at training  sessions.In an interview with the clubs official website, santos headcoach David Notoane disclosed the reasons for the Ghanaian international’s signing.

"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."

Notoane revealed that it didn't take long for Paintsil's quality and understanding of the game to shine through at training.
"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.

Painstil is known for his quality in defence for club sides fulham, westham and the likes but his current trainers are thinking of changing his role to play in midfield.

"We can use John in the midfield, that is where we are looking for a little bit of leadership. Remember we've used Nasief Morris there and he's done a good job so it gives us an option of using John there as well, head coach Natoane said.

Santos are currently in seventh place on the National First Division table after five rounds of matches.