BY DOING well in the Caf Champions League this year and in 2017, Mamelodi Sundowns will help improve the standard of Bafana Bafana.
That’s the view of former national skipper Steven “Schillo” Pienaar who is set to return to Mzansi in the twilight days of his star-studded career.
Said Pienaar: “African club competitions are important for the development of the national team. Players get to play in bad conditions, which they are unused to.
“Once you are in Bafana you are playing at the highest level – the experience of playing for your club in Africa is a good experience.
“It also an opportunity for younger players to develop and gain international experience. I’m happy to see Sundowns doing well in Africa.”
He also said he hoped the South African Under-23 side do well at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month.
Explained Pienaar: “Going to the Olympics helps Bafana as well. The experienced gained will be invaluable for Bafana to help us qualify for the 2018 World Cup.”
Bafana head into the final qualifying competition for the 2018 World Cup in Russia on 3 October when they travel to Burkina Faso for their opening Group D qualifier.
Pienaar, who enjoyed a stellar career in Europe, playing for crack Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam, in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund and in the English Premiership for Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, is set to end his career in Mzansi.
Pienaar (34) said he was fit after a series of injuries sustained at Everton and is expected to join either Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns.
He said he would make an announcement on his future in the “next couple of weeks”.
