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Pienaar: Pitso a workaholic

Johannesburg - Midfielder Steven Pienaar has likened Bafana Bafana boss Pitso Mosimane to Everton manager David Moyes.

The 28-year-old has praised Mosimane who he believes has done an outstanding job since stepping from Bafana assistant manager up to take over the reins from Carlos Alberto Parreira.

"He is exactly like Moyes, he's a workaholic," Pienaar told FIFA.com.

"He doesn't sleep, the only thing he does is watch football and he's a great coach who works hard and demands the highest level of discipline from everyone.

"I'm lucky as I've known him since I was 13 years old, so I know all about him and what kind of person he is.

"He also wants to be involved with the players' lives off the pitch. He wants the players to always be happy, which is important , he's like a father figure and I think he deserves to be the national team coach."

The former Ajax Cape Town star has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks after he refused to pen a new deal with the Toffees.

A number of clubs are said to be interested in his services, including Champions League side Tottenham Hotpsur.

But although he could leave Everton during the January transfer window, he still has high praise for the club.

"It's a club with history, we all know that, and it's the people's club and it's a side on the rise again.

"I think the quality is here at the club. The only problem, like everyone seems to know, is the money issue, we need more players.

"Hopefully that will change in the next few years and the team can go on to challenge."

The Bafana vice-captain revealed that he is currently happier than he has ever been.

"I'm honoured to be vice-captain of the national team, but now I have to approach things a bit differently.

"Before I preferred to be in the background a bit more, but now I have the responsibility of helping lead the group, but you get used to it, and in life you learn new things every day and taking on this new level of responsibility was one for me.

"I've not enjoyed my football more than this before and I've got two healthy daughters and a healthy family which is important. That's what makes me happy." 
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