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London - South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar says he believes Tottenham are on the verge of great things and has vowed to land a place in the starting line-up following his three million pounds (4.1 million dollars) transfer from Everton.
Pienaar joined Spurs on Tuesday on a four-and-a-half-year contract and said on Thursday he intends to bag a regular slot in Harry Redknapp's side.
"I am delighted to be here," Pienaar told Spurs TV Online.
"For me personally, I want to make sure I work hard and fight for a starting place in the team. I know it won't be easy but I am mentally strong to do that."
Looking forward to a potential weekend debut at Newcastle, Pienaar said that his fifth-placed new side were very much in the title race despite being eight points behind leaders Manchester United.
"We are not far off first place in the Premier League so I think we've got a good chance to go all the way and win a trophy this season.
"When you look at the way the team has been playing, they are really serious challengers for the cups, while the run in the Champions League has made a lot of people change their minds about Spurs," added Pienaar, who promised "to bring a lot of energy, creativity and of course hard work" to his new team.
At White Hart Lane, Pienaar, who was also a target for Chelsea, will link up with South Africa colleague Bongani Khumalo - freshly signed from Supersport.
And he predicted great things for his compatriot.
"Bongani is a young player, a very intelligent footballer and I think as time goes on he will develop and become a good centre-back, hopefully as good as Lucas Radebe was.
"Everyone in South Africa and me personally as well think he will be the future captain of the national team so let's hope everything goes according to plan for him."
Everton decided to sell Pienaar now rather than lose him on a free transfer when his contract expired at the end of the season.
He joined Everton initially on loan from Borussia Dortmund in 2007 and was voted club Player of the Year last season.
