Pieterse set to snub Chiefs and stay with Sundowns

It is believed Amakhosi are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department following the devastating shoulder injury to regular keeper and club captain Itumeleng Khune.

The Glamour Boys have tried out a few men but it seems that neither managed to fill the void left by Khune, who is still on the long road to full recovery.

“I hear about it (the rumour) here and there but I have not been in contact with anybody, I am a Sundowns player and until anything else happens I will remain here,” he told Phakaaathi.

While he is determined to stay put at Masandawana, he is some way down the playing pecking order, as Denis Onyango is the favourite for the gloves in Pitso Mosimane’s team, with Kennedy Mweene deputising. Pieterse understands that Onyango and Mweene, who are both 34 years old, are at their peak and it will take a lot of effort to dethrone them.

READ: Ngcongca is not leaving Sundowns – agent

“It is definitely going to be tighter this season. As they say, goalkeepers mature with age like fine wine. I don’t expect it to be any easier and that makes my job even sweeter because I am competing with the best and get to grow as a player.

“At the end of the day we all have to play but I don’t want to play for the sake of playing, I want to play and help the team and wherever I am I want to give the best account of myself and be I contention for the national team as well because that is the ultimate goal for me,” he said.

The former SuperSport United keeper added that the three have a good understanding among themselves and they always offer support, regardless of who is playing, on the bench or in the grandstand.

“When you are playing you would like the same support and it is important that you support the one who is playing for the team because we are all here to help the team win trophies. We have a good supportive culture and a winning mentally,” said Pieterse.

Sundowns, meanwhile, will play a pre-season friendly against Zambian outfit Nkana Red Devils at the Sunset Stadium in Lusaka tomorrow.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.