Cape Town - South African English Premiership star Steven Pienaar speaks football, Moyes at United and teammates in Brazil.
South African English Premiership star Steven Pienaar spent some time in South Africa promoting the Steven Pienaar Community Tournament, an event which he hopes to continue to grow annually.
Pienaar gave his views on his teammates at the World Cup, his SWC favourites and he answers whether or not he's thinking about returning the PSL.
Several of your Everton team mates are
at the World Cup – are you envious about missing out on the World Cup in
Brazil?
Steven Pienaar: Yeah, a little envious, but I told
most of them to pack very light as their SWC journey will be short!
Who are you favourites for the World Cup
and why?
Steven Pienaar: Holland as they have a score to
settle after coming so close in 2010 and in other finals before, this could be
their turn. Germany as they have the most efficient
and balanced team on paper, let’s hope they can translate that into good
performances in this World Cup.
Which African team do you expect to be
the best performer in Brazil and why?
Steven Pienaar: Ivory Coast as they are the
strongest African representative and most of the team are playing their last
major tournament, they have to end in a respectable position. Nigeria as they have improved a lot, won
the Nations cup and did fairly well in the Confederations Cup. The Confederations
Cup also gave them insight into conditions they would be facing in the World Cup.
Where you shocked when Manchester United
ended the contract with David Moyes – why do you think the team did not perform
and do you think he was given a fair chance?
Steven Pienaar: Yes, very surprised, he needed more
time to implement his ideas. It’s the nature of the game these days, there is
little time for managers at football teams now, they have to hit the ground
running.
What
are your plans for the 2014/15 English Premiership season – will you be staying at Everton and
what are your goals for the year?
Steven Pienaar: Yes, definitely
staying. My goals are to stay fit and feature in as many games as possible.
Do
you intend to return to South Africa for the final years of your active playing
career?
Steven Pienaar: To be honest it’s
not something that I have really thought about, so I will see what the future
holds.
Your
trip back to SA coincides with your annual Steven Pienaar Community Tournament,
which is supported by your sponsor’s PUMA. What inspires you to continue to
host the event?
Steven Pienaar: It’s mainly for
the kids, when I see the smile we put on their faces I get motivated to keep
the tournament going as long as I possibly can.
What
are your thoughts on the status of football development in South Africa and
what do you feel needs to be done to make the national team more competitive on
a global level?
Steven Pienaar: Youth coaching
needs to be improved greatly, countries like Spain and Germany have an endless
supply of coaches, the results can be seen in their youth national teams’
performances and subsequently in their senior national teams.