Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar is confident that he can achieve his Champions League ambition with current club side Everton.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan and English Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, who both qualified for the world's most prestigious club competition.

However, the former Ajax Amsterdam star says he will stay with the Toffees and help them qualify for next season's Champions League.

He told the Daily Mail: "It's good to feel at home again. I missed the guys so it's always good to be back.

"We all know that if we have a fully fit squad we can compete for the Champions League this season. The players are up for the challenge.

"I know the supporters want us to do well and we want to make them happy."

The former Borussia Dortmund man returned to action for the Merseyside outfit at the weekend in their 4-2 friendly win at Norwich.

"It was a good test for me as I get used to playing again after a month off. After a hard week's training I was happy to get through 70 minutes," he said.

"For me it's important to get fit and play a few more games. We still have two friendlies to go.

"We need to get through them without any injuries, make sure we get fitter and then start the season with high spirits and full of confidence."