DRIBBLING wizard Steven "Schillo" Pienaar describes the opening Confederations Cup game against Iraq as the biggest challenge for Bafana Bafana in the tournament.
DRIBBLING wizard Steven "Schillo" Pienaar describes the opening Confederations Cup game against Iraq as the biggest challenge for Bafana Bafana in the tournament.
"It goes without saying the first game against Iraq will be a big test for us during the tournament, we really have to go out there and win it," he said.
"We are the host team, so winning the first game [at Ellis Park Stadium on June 14] will help ease the pressure in the camp.
"The tournament will be tough, considering that we have the champions of the continents and world coming to play in our country.
"We have to take each game as it comes. We have some great players in South Africa who are determined to make the country proud.
"After getting through the first hurdle against Iraq, I have no doubt that we will go all the way in the tournament," said the down-to-earth Pienaar, who plays for Everton in England.
Pienaar has been described by veteran coach Clive Barker as one of the two players who will make things happen for Bafana Bafana in the Confederations Cup, the other being Teko Modise.
Barker guided Bafana Bafana to a historic gold medal in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations final.
"In my days as coach [of Bafana Bafana], we had players like Doctor Khumalo and Shoes Moshoeu who made things happen in the midfield. The current team has excellent players like Teko [Modise] and Steven Pienaar who will be looked upon to perform the same role," said Barker.
Pienaar was humbled by the praise.
He urged South Africans to get behind Bafana Bafana.
iraq are no Push overs
DRIBBLING wizard Steven "Schillo" Pienaar describes the opening Confederations Cup game against Iraq as the biggest challenge for Bafana Bafana in the tournament.
DRIBBLING wizard Steven "Schillo" Pienaar describes the opening Confederations Cup game against Iraq as the biggest challenge for Bafana Bafana in the tournament.
"It goes without saying the first game against Iraq will be a big test for us during the tournament, we really have to go out there and win it," he said.
"We are the host team, so winning the first game [at Ellis Park Stadium on June 14] will help ease the pressure in the camp.
"The tournament will be tough, considering that we have the champions of the continents and world coming to play in our country.
"We have to take each game as it comes. We have some great players in South Africa who are determined to make the country proud.
"After getting through the first hurdle against Iraq, I have no doubt that we will go all the way in the tournament," said the down-to-earth Pienaar, who plays for Everton in England.
Pienaar has been described by veteran coach Clive Barker as one of the two players who will make things happen for Bafana Bafana in the Confederations Cup, the other being Teko Modise.
Barker guided Bafana Bafana to a historic gold medal in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations final.
"In my days as coach [of Bafana Bafana], we had players like Doctor Khumalo and Shoes Moshoeu who made things happen in the midfield. The current team has excellent players like Teko [Modise] and Steven Pienaar who will be looked upon to perform the same role," said Barker.
Pienaar was humbled by the praise.
He urged South Africans to get behind Bafana Bafana.
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