Share

Igesund coy on Pienaar

Johannesburg - Reading between the lines, Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund would love to see former national team skipper Steven Pienaar come out of retirement.

VIDEO: Igesund announces Bafana team

On Monday Igesund announced his squad to face Zambia in the Nelson Mandela Challenge, before jetting off to England to meet with several South Africans based in that country.

He will be sitting down with Andrew Surman, the Norwich midfielder, as well as Davide Somma, the Leeds United striker.

Also on the agenda is a 'coffee date' with Everton man Pienaar.

The Bafana coach claims it is not his agenda to try and talk Pienaar into returning to the national fold, but should the player show any signs of regretting his decision, Igesund is sure to try and work his magic.

"For me, Steven Pienaar, he was a great ambassador for our country.

"He is one of our own, and a great player. I think I owe it to him to go and have a chat with him.

"I think Steven had to make a very tough decision, but I haven't shut the door on him, so who knows where the conversation goes," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE