Johannesburg – Safa CEO Robin Petersen confirmed Steven Pienaar has announced his retirement from international football at the Bafana Bafana squad announcement at Safa house on Tuesday.
In a letter from the Everton player addressed to coach Gordon Igesund and Safa, the former national captain informed the team of his decision on Monday.
In the letter, read out to the media by Petersen, the player said he was struggling physically with his Bafana role after 10
years of service.
“Dear sirs, it is with regret that I announce my retirement from international football,” said Pienaar in his letter.
“He's given us 10 years of service and his body is tired,” said Igesund.
“Yesterday was the first time I found out he wanted to retire,” he added.
Bafana head off to play two international friendly matches on Sunday.
They play Poland at the national stadium in Warswaw on October 12 and Kenya, at national stadium in Nairobi, on October 16.
Both games are away.
Local players will assemble on Sunday and arrive in Warsaw on Tuesday October 9 while the overseas-based players will travel directly to Warsaw. – Sapa