Steven Pienaar
Bringing his European experience to the Premier League champions
Modelling the brandspanking new 2017/18 Bidvest Wits away kit, the club’s marquee signing oozed cool and composure as he faced the media for the first time since deciding what could be his final move of his playing career. Asked why he chose The Clever Boys ahead of other options, Steven Pienaar confidently explained: “Obviously there were other options but, when I met with the coach [Gavin Hunt] at the [SuperSport TV] studios, he showed more interest about my family and that touched me. “That made it quite easy for me to make a decision and, obviously, joining the [league and MTN 8] champions is an honour. I want to play in Africa as well, and that option was on the table, so it was an easy decision to make.” After tackling his way through the press conference, and various other interviews, seated alongside me in his car, “Schillo” detailed his thought process behind his decision not to wait on the “Iron Duke”, Irvin Khoza. Sources close to the Pirates camp apparently outlined the problems at the club, leading him to realise that the environment may not be conducive to his hopes of enjoying his final years as a player and possibly winning silverware.
“GOING TOT PIRATES, WHEREWH THERE’S A CLEAN-UP JOBJ ... AS A NEW PLAYERPL YOU DON’T WANTW TO BE IN THATTH SITUATION”SITUATIO