Steven Pienaar hints at major Ajax-linked youth project in Africa

Speaking to SABC Sport in Mexico, where he is part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup legends squad, Pienaar discussed his future after recently leaving UAE club Sharjah.

The 44-year-old spent three seasons coaching Sharjah's U17 side and suggested another development venture could soon emerge through his long-standing relationship with Ajax and indicated he is now waiting on the Dutch giants for his next deployment.

"Unfortunately every good thing must come to an end, we had a great partnership with Sharjah football club and now we are looking for new programmes we can get involved in. I can say much with Ajax busy with planning and talks with one big club in Africa," explained Pienaar. 

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On the reunion with ex-Bafana teammates after 16 years, Pienaar said nostalgia was the theme when the squad met up again. 

"This is something speak ill for us and I want to thank the people who made this possible. It's a pleasure to be with the guys again, to catch up and roll back the years. Some of these guys I haven't seen for sixteen years."

The SA legends also got to conduct some coaching clinics in Pachuca, where they are scheduled to play their Mexico counterparts – and Schillo was proud to give back.

Pienaar also weighed in on Bafana’s opening game at the World Cup against hosts Mexico on Thursday as well as Group A overall, which includes Czechia and South Korea.

"I think there will be a lot of nerves, but this team has a lot of winners so they just have to be themselves and remain calm. Obviously it's a big moment for the players, but you just have to go out there and do what you've been doing all these years."