Everton appoint Pienaar as International Ambassador

The 36-year-old announced his retirement from football last month, having been released by Bidvest Wits, just six months into his one-year deal with the Absa Premiership champions.

According to a statement on the Everton website, Pienaar will be taking up an ambassadorial role that would see him focus on supporting commercial activities for the club and its official partners, as well as helping to continue to build the profile of Everton across the globe.

Speaking about his new role on the Everton website, Pienaar said: “I have felt enormous affection for the Club since the day I first signed, and I am both honoured and delighted to become an official International Ambassador.

“Everton Football Club is very special to me, and I look forward to further developing our unique bond in my new role and helping to spread the word of its fantastic work. This is a very proud day for me, and I am delighted to be returning to a club that made me feel so welcome as a player.”

Alan McTavish, head of commercial at Everton, said: “Steven was one of the club’s most exciting players across the last decade. He had a great relationship with the Everton fans but also entertained fans of the Premier League for many years. He is one of the most recognised African players with continental and international appeal and we are excited to start work in collaboration with both Steven and our commercial partners for the benefit of all concerned.

“This agreement sees us welcome one of the Club’s great players back into our Everton family, and we are all looking forward to working together to support the ongoing growth strategy of the Club.”

Pienaar made more than 200 appearances for the Toffees, and is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest players in the modern era.

The skilful winger represented South Africa on more than 60 and was a key player in SA’s World Cup squads in 2002 and 2010.