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Pitso happy with Pienaar shift

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says he is happy that the national team captain Steven Pienaar has secured a loan move to his former club Everton where he will almost be assured of regular game time.

Mosimane said it was at Everton where Pienaar played some of his best soccer in his illustrious career and was confident the move back to the club was the tonic his skipper needed to revive his fortunes.

“It is a good and wise move for his career. The Everton coach (David Moyes) loves him and the fans in Liverpool adore him. Don’t forget it is at Everton where Schillo played the best soccer of his career and I have no doubt this move is what we all wanted,” said Mosimane.

The Bafana Bafana mentor said it was unfortunate that Pienaar’s stay at Tottenham Hotspur was blighted by injuries, something that saw him fail to command regular first team football and in turn led to the player’s frustrations on the sidelines.

“His injuries were not only a blow to Spurs but to the whole Bafana Bafana campaign because whenever he dons the national team jersey, he is one player who gives his all. He is a true leader,” said Mosimane.

Mosimane also said he was also delighted Pienaar’s deputy, Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala had also settled his on and off move from Kaizer Chiefs.

“It has been a good week for Bafana Bafana. These are two influential players for the national team and you want your key players to be settled and play regularly."
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