Every now and then, we receive a great piece of writing here at Supporters Club. Today, we hear from one of our talented supporters who explains why there is no one quite on Steven Pienaar's level:
"Steven Pienaar, without any reasonable doubt, is the best SA player of his generation," Soccer Laduma website reader jerseynumber8 said.
"Whereas his SA contemporaries, the likes of OJ Mabizela, Benedict Vilakazi, Jabu Mahlangu, Scara Ngobese, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Surprise Moriri, Teko Modise and Katlego Mphela, have flattered, faltered and deceived, Pienaar has shone, excelled and soared.
"He's played with and against the world's best footballers. In a very divisive country, like SA, it is the former players who receive all undue plaudits. A true son of the soil and no Johnny-come-lately or Mafikizolo, Steven Pienaar deserves better in his ancestral homeland. Among his peer group in SA, Steven Pienaar has no equal because none have reached his heights. He completed every cycle of his football career with admirable aplomb, (20-24), (25-29) and (30-34) years. Mind you, he did it at the highest level, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Dutch Eredivisie and SA Premier Soccer League.
"To the haters, that is invaluable experience, truly priceless. Like Benni, it would be fantastic to see him play PSL football and make the haters eat humble pie. And play for OPFC, ironically, the team he arguably scored his best goal ever against. At 18 years, playing for Ajax CT, Pienaar made a solo run, from the half-way line, dribbled half the Orlando Pirates team, and scored. That goal personified his true potential. Legendary!!! Unfortunately, the match was not televised.
"Steven Pienaar is a true SA great and legend, two terms controversially and liberally bestowed on any SA footballer these days. He went toe-to-toe against Patrick Vieira, beat an Arsenal offside trap, out-sprinted the defenders and chipped the Arsenal goalkeeper, Almunia. That took athleticism, focus, composure, confidence, arrogance, technique, pure talent and refined skill. A true tale of legends, spoken about, again and again and again.
"We who appreciate him would love to see him live in the PSL. Pienaar has run his race with distinction and earned his star among international and SA greats, such as Bill Perry, David Julius, Albert Johannesen, Bernard Hartze, Duncan Crowie, Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy.
"In our eyes, Pienaar's star will shine forever. Play on, player."
Do you agree with this supporter's opinion? Is Pienaar as good as it gets?
