Steven Pienaar has joined Sunderland AFC, the Premier League club have announced on their website.

The former Bafana Bafana captain and Everton midfielder had been linked to a move to clubs in South Africa before interest from Sunderland manager David Moyes scared them off.

Pienaar reunits with Moyes, who he played under with great success at Everton.

Sunderland's website proclaimed on Friday: " Sunderland manager David Moyes has brought in former Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar on a one-year deal.

"The 34-year-old was released by the Goodison Park side at the end of last season and had been training with the Black Cats.

"Pienaar was signed by Moyes for Everton in 2007 and then, after a stint at Tottenham, re-signed by the Scot in 2012 for a second spell at the club.

"The South African has made 199 Premier League appearances, scoring 20 goals."

Pienaar retired from international football in 2012 after amassing 61 caps for South Africa.