Johannesburg - It's a scenario not too many would have predicted and may not come to pass, but former Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar has the option of making good on his promise to assist in the development of South African football by signing for PSL rookies Baroka FC.
Pienaar is back in South Africa after his contract with English Premiership side Everton came to an end, and is set to grace the PSL for the first time in 16 years after leaving Ajax Cape Town for Europe as a talented teenager.
Since arriving home, Pienaar has been linked with a move to Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, with the player himself admitting that joining a club like Pirates would be very tempting.
However, speaking as a guest of honour at a sponsorship launch for newly-promoted Baroka FC earlier this week in Johannesburg, Pienaar conceded that he is not just back in South Africa to pick up a pay cheque, but is also keen on making a difference to football development.
“It is good for the young players when you come back, you have got the knowledge, you have played at the highest level. I want to share [my experience] with the young players that have goals of playing in Europe.
“I think that is why players at a certain age want to come back to South Africa and show aspiring players the right way,” he said.
Baroka chairman Kurishi Mphahlele was quick to spot the gap, challenging Pienaar to deliver on his word by signing for the Limpopo outfit and assisting their young players find their feet in what is the club's first ever season in the top flight.
“Money's not an issue, come join us,” Mphahlele told former Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam midfield playmaker Pienaar.
“You'll be making a contribution to the country. People will know that you did not go for money. Please make up your mind and come join us. You need us as much as we need you.”
African News Agency