Steven Pienaar sits down for a wide ranging Q&A where he spoke about Everton’s transfer plans, what the club can expect under Ronald Koeman and more.
Pienaar, who captained Bafana Bafana and played for the likes of Ajax Amsterdam, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, returned to his home suburb of Westbury, Johannesburg this week to host his annual Steven Pienaar Community Tournament, which attracted 200 teams this year across age groups ranging from under 8 to veterans.
Steven Pienaar on life after Everton, Ronald Koeman and transfer speculation:
It has been another year of injuries for you – what is the status on the injury and what is keeping you motivated throughout this extended period of being off the pitch?
The season has been disrupted but I have been fit for a while now. I have fully recovered from Injury since October, but have not been able to break into the team for regular game time. In football you take the good with the bad.
What does the new season hold for you – having been released by Everton are you looking for new challenges elsewhere?
I have not thought about it that much to be honest, for now I just want to enjoy my holiday with my girls and family.
Describe what you have enjoyed most about your time in the EPL, playing for Everton, living in Liverpool – so both from a playing and lifestyle point of view?
Have enjoyed playing amongst the best players in the world, have really enjoyed every minute. Living in Liverpool has been amazing, they are without a shadow of doubt the friendliest bunch of people I have lived around.
You have mentioned that you would be keen to come back to SA and play for 1 or 2 seasons – have any clubs made contact?
No, no one has made contact with me yet. As mentioned before, I want to enjoy my break the best way possible and I will let my manager handle all that stuff.
China is throwing big money at football – have you explored that option for when your playing days at Everton come to an end?
Clubs there are investing a lot to put Chinese football on the world football map, which is great. There was contact made in February but let’s wait and see what will happen in the near future.
Any plans to get your coaching qualifications – do you plan to have a future career in football once your professional playing days have come to an end?
Have thought of it, I am not particularly sure I have the patience to be a coach. Maybe I can get involved in football from a media side of thigs, doing tv work etc. We will see.
Huge TV money is meant to flow into the EPL for next season – will this help or hurt a team like Everton when it comes to trying to hold onto your biggest assets like Stones, Barkley, Lukaku?
Everton have new owners now and there will be massive investments made, so I doubt they will lose any players. They can compete with the best in the league to keep and attract the top talent.
Do you think it was a mistake to remove Roberto Martinez? Do you feel he is still the right person to take the club forward to challenge for European places. If not, what type of coach should Everton be looking to employ?
He was a good manager for the team but I guess when things are not working out anymore then there has to be changes made. He was very unfortunate. I wish him well in his future management job.
Given you played and won a league title at Ajax Amsterdam under Ronald Koeman, what can Everton fans expect from the new boss?
He has played in the best teams and has been involved in the Dutch national team and many top teams in Holland as a coach, so they are getting a manager that has vast experience. He will bring discipline and a different way of playing that players will enjoy a lot. I rate him very highly.
Which PUMA boots are you playing in these days?
Playing in the current evoSPEED SL tricks boots, love them.
You have been playing in PUMA boots for a number of years now, which of the styles/colours are your favourite?
My first every PUMA boot is my most favorite, the v1.11. I enjoyed playing in them and scored a few goals too.
What has kept you loyal to PUMA?
The support I get is amazing, they really go out their way to make you feel great about been part of the brand.
Your community tournament is just around the corner – why do you keep supporting this event year on year?
It’s a disadvantaged community, so the little we do to encourage the kids helps. I would love to see a few kids come out of the tournament and have great careers. I am passionate about this and the help I get from PUMA and all involved goes a long way.
Will you be pitch side at the community tournament again this year?
Every day, I never miss a day for anything.
Your advice to young footballers just making their way in this wonderful game?
Never stop working hard at your craft, everyday, put a little extra than yesterday. Always have belief in your abilities and be disciplined.
