Pienaar Retires From Bafana Bafana

South Africa captain Steven Pienaar has retired from
international football.

The 30-year-old’s decision was announced by coach Gordon
Igesund early in the week as he unveiled his Bafana Bafana squad to face Poland
and Kenya in friendlies next week.

Speculation had been mounting that Pienaar would retire to
concentrate on playing for Everton.

Igesund told reporters that he received a phone call from
Pienaar  informing him of his decision.

“I’m proud to have played for and captained my country. For
that I thank you,” the Everton midfielder said via a statement.

Igesund has named defender Bongani Khumalo as Bafana
Bafana’s new captain and admitted it is unlikely Pienaar will play for his
country again.

South Africa’s coach said: “I am disappointed that Steven
has retired from the national team.

“But the way he has retired is the right way. I think it was
a tough decision for him.”

Igesund paid tribute to Pienaar, adding: “His presence and
leadership is invaluable and could have helped us in our mission for 2013 AFCON
and the World Cup qualification, but we must respect his decision.”

Pienaar made his international debut in 2002, and has
featured for the national side at two World Cups.

The 30-year-old withdrew from last month’s matches against
Brazil and Mozambique with an injury, only to then appear in Everton’s starting
line-up just days later.

Pienaar is just the latest in a long line of Bafana players
to become embroiled in a ‘club versus country’ debate over the years.

Benni McCarthy retired from international football after the
2002 World Cup in order to concentrate on his career in Europe before
eventually returning to the fold.

Mark Fish ‘retired’ more than once, while Shaun Bartlett
quit international football in order to win a new contract with his club side
Charlton.