Mosimane gives up on Pienaar hopes
PITSO Mosimane says he has moved on from trying to sign Steven Pienaar and it is highly unlikely that the player will don the Mamelodi Sundowns shirt in the coming season.
Mosimane said he had hoped to get the former Everton player, 34, to move to Chloorkop until he heard that he was on trial at English club Sunderland.
Pienaar has been a free agent since being released by Everton in June and is now trying to convince Sunderland manager David Moyes to sign him.
“It was always about what he wanted to do next before we jumped the gun [and tried to sign him] because now we hear he is in Sunderland.
“Do you want to compete [with that kind of money]? Obviously not‚” Mosimane said.
“If he is [in Sunderland] it means he still wants to play one more year in Europe.
“So really‚ I understand why he always said he wanted to make up his mind [before committing himself to his next destination].
“He didn’t want to answer quickly and put himself in a difficult position.
“Probably he knew there was a chance to go back [to Europe].”
Pienaar and Moyes have a relationship that dates back to their years together at Everton and the South African is reportedly close to signing a deal at Sunderland.
Mosimane said Pienaar’s next career move would not be motivated by money, as he has made enough in the 15 years he spent in Europe playing for Everton‚ Tottenham Hotspur‚ Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam.
“Pienaar does not have to play football. He’s a good boy and he has looked after his finances. I know that very well.
“He doesn’t have to play football unless it is for fun.”
Mosimane also shed light on the availability of another free agent‚ May Mahlangu‚ who is reportedly twiddling his thumbs in Johannesburg at the moment.
The Herald reported last week that Mahlangu, 27, was in limbo after turning down a move to Germany.
He has been without a club since his short-term contract at Belgium club St Truiden came to an end in May.
But he turned down an offer from lower-tier German side Dynamo Dresden‚ a decision that seemingly did not impress his agent Rob Moore.
Few clubs would be able to afford him in South Africa, but Mosimane said Sundowns – who would be among those who could – said the days of rushing to sign players were over.
“I like May and he’s a good boy‚ a good player.
“He was with me at Bafana Bafana [when Mosimane was national team coach] but I have not seen him play in a long time.
“But there is footage in Belgium – most of the games there are televised.
“If you want footage of the Belgian league you will be able to get it. But first there must be interest.
“Why must I [get] footage when I don’t know if he wants to come to us? “Also where is he going to play? Are we not duplicating in that position?
“But he’s a good player.”