Steven Pienaar, a former midfielder for Bafana Bafana, announced on Wednesday that he has finally received the coveted Uefa Pro Licence, marking yet another significant milestone in his coaching career.
The former Everton player posted about his most recent accomplishment on social media and expressed his happiness at receiving this licence, which practically allows him to work as a coach anywhere in the globe.
“I’m grateful to God the Father for giving me the perseverance to go on when I was questioning myself and feeling so proud of myself.
I would especially want to thank my family for all of their support. I adore you all “He posted it on Twitter.
The news of Pienaar’s most recent victory comes during a particularly prosperous month or two for South Africans.
Pitso Mosimane, a former Bafana Bafana coach, also obtained his Caf Pro Licence, which is comparable to the Uefa Pro Licence, while Benni McCarthy secured a coaching position with English powerhouse Manchester United.
The 40-year-old started his coaching career at the Ajax Amsterdam Institution in 2018, the same academy from where he received his professional playing diploma in the early 2000s.
He briefly worked at the Dutch club SV Robinhood in 2019, however he has since returned to the Ajax organisation and is now the Under-18s’ assistant coach.
One of the most successful football players to have come out of South Africa is “Schillo,” as he was fondly called among his contemporaries.
When he established himself in the best league in the world, his adaptability and high level football IQ gained him slots at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspurs, Sunderland (all in England), and Everton.