Steven Pienaar Turns 40 Today, Honouring One of South Africa’s Greatest Football Players To Play Abroad

• Former Bafana Bafana player, Steven Pienaar, turns 40 today and we mark his birthday by looking back at his career
• Steven Pienaar has played for many great sides including Everton, Ajax Amsterdam and Borussia Dortmund
• Steven Pienaar has had a legendary career and is currently employed by Ajax Amsterdam as Assistant Coach to the Under-18 side

South Africa has had many footballers go abroad and make the country proud, but Steven Pienaar could undoubtedly be the best of the lot.

The former Bafana player turns 40 today and we honour the star by looking back at parts of his legendary career.

Pienaar has played for some big European clubs

After starting his career with Ajax Cape Town, Pienaar soon made a move to the parent club, Ajax Amsterdam. It was here that his star started to shine and Pienaar became a sought after star. During his legendary career, Pienaar has also played for Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland and Bidvest Wits.

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Steven Pienaar made over 400 appearances during his career

Pienaar officially retired from professional football in 2018 but racked up impressive numbers during his legendary career. He officially made 438 appearances in his career, scoring 45 goals and notching up 74 assists, Transfer Markt confirmed.

Pienaar had a hilarious encounter with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

During his time at Ajax Amsterdam, Pienaar played alongside the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The South African has since recalled a funny story he experienced while sharing a room with the star striker.

Where is Steven Pienaar now?

Since announcing his retirement in 2018, Pienaar focused on getting his coaching license. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for Ajax Amsterdam’s U18 side, Soccer Laduma reported. He was also named as an International Ambassador for Everton Football Club following his retirement.

“Disgrace”: Bafana Bafana Legend Steven Pienaar Questions Penalty Handed to Ghana

In other news related to Pienaar, Sports Brief earlier reported that former Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar has also questioned the penalty that was given to Ghana as they beat the South Africans 1-0.

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The crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier has been turned into a controversial encounter as many fans are voicing their unhappiness on the match officials. Bafana needed a win or a draw in their final clash of Group G on Sunday night.

However, there are calls that the match was fixed and the South African Football Association has already lodged a complaint with FIFA. Pienaar headed online to share his views on the penalty that ensured the West Africans emerge as victors.