Steven surprises with Clever move
DELIGHTED TO HAVE ‘SCHILLO’ IN WITS’ CAMP Judging by new signings, there is no lack of desire to especially improve on their showing in the Caf Champions League.
Steven Pienaar put to rest rumours regarding his return to the Premier Soccer League yesterday as he put pen to paper on a one-year contract with Absa Premiership champions Bidvest Wits following weeks of speculation.
The 35-year-old former Bafana Bafana captain had been linked with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs following his announcement that he would like to return home and finish his admirable football career where it all started some 18 years ago.
“The Clever Boys are pleased to welcome Steven Pienaar to the family,” said the Students on their Twitter account as they announced their new signing. The tweet also revealed that “Schillo”, as Pienaar is known in football circles, has an option to extend.
Wits coach Gavin Hunt expressed his excitement with the new acquisition and said he hoped his experienced would bring more success.
“Pienaar is a fantastic signing for the club. We’re obviously happy and I’m sure he’ll add value. He certainly brings in quality and experience as well,” Hunt said yesterday.
Hunt’s team have been clinical during the transfer window which opened on Monday and have already roped in four players, including Pienaar.
Wits have confirmed the signing of defenders Bokang Thlone and Slavko Damjanovic and midfielder Daylon Claasen, who was recently released by German giants 1860 Munich. Hunt has also previously mentioned that he would be looking for more players as his team prepare for an arduous year ahead.
The Clever Boys will again play in the Caf Champions League next season and judging by their signings, they obviously want to do better than last time when they were knocked out early.
The Milpark-based team are expected to make yet another big announcement before the end of the week, with another former Bafana star Teko Modise said to be close to agreeing a deal.