Steven Pienaar is widely regarded as one of the finest football talents South Africa has ever produced, having enjoyed a successful career with top clubs across Europe.
Known affectionately as “Schillo,” Pienaar launched his professional journey at Ajax Cape Town, where he was part of the squad that famously crushed Orlando Pirates 4-0 to win the Rothmans Cup.
By the age of 18, he was already being touted as a rising star, and in 2001, Ajax Amsterdam snapped him up. Playing in the Dutch league, Pienaar shared the pitch with legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wesley Sneijder, and Nigel de Jong. During his time there, he helped Ajax claim two Eredivisie titles before moving on to Borussia Dortmund.
After a brief and challenging spell in Germany, Pienaar was loaned to English Premier League club Everton. His impact was immediate, making 28 appearances and scoring twice, prompting manager David Moyes to sign him permanently.
Pienaar flourished at Everton over three solid years before transferring to Tottenham Hotspur in 2011. Despite featuring in the UEFA Champions League with Spurs, injuries plagued his time there, leading him back to Everton within months.
His return to Everton was marked by quality performances, though recurring injuries in his final season saw his contract lapse. Pienaar then had a season with Sunderland, followed by a year at Bidvest Wits in South Africa before hanging up his boots.
A Mixed Legacy with Bafana Bafana
Internationally, Pienaar’s career with Bafana Bafana was a rollercoaster. He earned 61 caps over two years and represented South Africa in two FIFA World Cups. While admired for his skill, some fans felt he could have contributed more, especially considering his consistent match-winning form for Everton in the English Premier League.
Struggles with national team qualification and inconsistent performances led to his retirement from international football in 2012, just ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
What’s Next for Steven Pienaar?
Today, Pienaar has turned to coaching and is currently leading the Under-14 team at Sharjah FC in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to this, he was an assistant coach for AFC Ajax’s Under-18 squad, nurturing the next generation of talent.
