Steven Pienaar: The South African Midfield Maestro

Pienaar started his life in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg where football was an important part of the community. His talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose to fame as a South African football player. Pienaar’s journey to greatness was not an easy one, however. He faced many challenges and setbacks, including injuries and a lack of opportunities. Nonetheless, he never gave up on his dream and continued to work hard to improve his game. Over the years, Pienaar played for several South African football teams, including Ajax Cape Town, Supersport United and Orlando Pirates. He also had successful stints in Europe, playing for clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Pienaar’s journey reached its pinnacle when he signed for Sunderland in 2016, becoming the first South African player to represent the club. Despite his age and injury woes, Pienaar’s impact was felt at Sunderland, and he became a fan favorite during his short stint there.

How did Steven Pienaar’s career impact South African football?

Steven Pienaar’s career had a significant impact on South African football. He was one of the most successful South African players to play abroad, and his success helped to raise the profile of South African football globally. Pienaar began his career with Ajax Cape Town before moving to Europe where he played for top teams like Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. During his time in Europe, Pienaar became known for his skill, creativity, and work rate on the field, and he was widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation. Pienaar’s success also helped to inspire a new generation of young South African footballers, many of whom have gone on to play professionally in Europe. Pienaar was also a key player for the South African national team, helping them to win the 2008 African Cup of Nations and playing in the 2010 World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa. His performances for the national team helped to bring attention to South African football and raised hopes for the future of the sport in the country.

What were some of Steven Pienaar’s most memorable performances for Bafana Bafana and his club teams?

Steven Pienaar had a fantastic career as a football player, and he left his mark on both Bafana Bafana and his club teams. Some of his most memorable performances for the South African national team include his crucial goals and assists in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped lead his team to the quarter-finals. For his club teams, Pienaar’s standout displays include his time at Ajax Amsterdam, where he played a key role in the team’s Eredivisie title win in 2004. He also had successful stints at Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he showed his versatility and creativity on the field. One of Pienaar’s most memorable moments came in a match against Chelsea in the 2009-10 season. Playing for Everton, Pienaar scored a stunning solo goal that earned his team a crucial point in the race for European qualification.

What legacy has Steven Pienaar left behind for young South African football players to aspire to?

Steven Pienaar has left behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and passion for the game that young South African football players can aspire to. As a midfielder, he showed great technical ability, vision, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Pienaar’s success as a football player, particularly during his time at Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, has demonstrated that South African players can compete and excel in top European leagues. He was a role model for many young footballers in South Africa, showing them that with dedication and perseverance, they too can achieve their dreams of playing at the highest level. Additionally, Pienaar has also given back to the South African community through his philanthropic work. He established the Steven Pienaar Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through sports development programs, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Recap

Midfield dynamo, Steven Pienaar, is a household name in the English Premiership, spearheading the resurgence of Tottenham Hotspur FC under manager Harry Redknapp. A product of the Ajax Cape Town academy, Pienaar transferred to parent club, Ajax Amsterdam, in 2001 and enjoyed a highly successful five-year career at the Dutch giants. In a team that included the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sneijder, Steven was a key part of the Ajax engine room, leading the Amsterdammers to success in the Dutch League and Cup, as well as a quarterfinal appearance in the 2003 Uefa Champions league. He was named as runner-up to Arjen Robben as the 2003 Best Young Player of the Year for the Dutch League. Pienaar’s form also earned him rave reviews across the African continent and he was twice named as runner-up for the CAF Best Young Player of the Year in Africa. At Everton Pienaar quickly established himself as a key creative player and his tireless, unselfish work has earned him rave reviews culminating in an FA Cup Final appearance in 2009 vs. Chelsea. Steven was also nominated amongst the top 4 best players at the 2009 Confederations Cup, where his driving displays took South Africa to a narrow 0-1 defeat in the semifinals vs. Brazil. At the end of a successful 2009-2010 campaign Pienaar was voted as Everton Player of the Season and South African Player of the Year , culminating in 3 strating appearances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil. In January 2011, Schillo moved to London to join Tottenham Hotspur FC. After 18 months, Pienaar went to Everton on loan and finally, in summer 2012, he returned again to Goodison Park on a 4 year contract. Personal sponsors: Puma, Coca Cola and Top TV

Name:	Steven Pienaar
Nationality:	South Africa
Language(s):	English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German
Age:	30
Date of birth:	17.03.1982
Place of birth:	Johannesburg (South Africa)
Marital status:	Single (two children)
Height:	176cm
Weight:	62kg
Position:	Left, right or central midfield
Shirt number:	40
National team:	58 A-caps/3 goals
Current club:	Everton FC
Former club(s):	Ajax Cape Town, AFC Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Everton FC, Tottenham Hotspur
Contract:	2016

Statistics current season:

Games played in:	3
National Team:
Assists:
Goals:

Career

SEASON	CLUB	COUNTRY	GAMES	GOALS	ASSISTS
2001-2006	AFC Ajax Amsterdam	Netherlands	133	18	22
2006-2007	Borussia Dormund	Germany	27	–	1
2007-2011	Everton FC	England	132	14	18
2011- 2012	Tottenham Hotspur FC	England	17	1	–
2012-Present	Everton FC	England	57	11	16
TOTAL			366	44	57

Awards

Dutch Eredivisie: Champion 2002, 2004 Dutch Cup: Champion 2002, 2006 Johan Cruijff Cup: Champion 2002, 2005 FA Cup: Runner-up 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup squad member 2009 FIFA World Cup squad member 2002, 20010

Awards

Eredivisie Best Young Player of the Year: Runner-up 2003 CAF Best Young Player of the Year: Runner-up 2003, 2004 Everton FC Player of the Year 2010 South African Player of the Year 2010