The South African international began his professional career at Ajax, where he featured alongside current Everton player Andy van der Meyde.
Pienaar was regarded as a ‘wonderkid’ in his native South Africa, starting his footballing career at Ajax Cape Town, a feeder club for Dutch giants Ajax.
The attacking midfielder was tipped for great things when he signed a five-year contract with the Ajax first team in 2001, making eight appearances and scoring once in a title winning campaign.
In 2002, Pienaar travelled to the 2002 World Cup as part of his home country’s squad.
He went on to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer at the start of the 2006/ 2007 season and made twenty-five appearances, although he was hampered by injury throughout.
Pienaar’s move to Everton is significant in a close-season where Everton have struggled to make big money signings in the face of stiff competition from rivals as well as an injury blows which could see James Vaughn and Tim Cahill sidelined for months.
Just a day after completing his loan move, the player made an immediate impact on the side, scoring on his debut in a friendly against Ventura County Fusion, helping the Blues to a 4-0 victory.
It is understood that the prospect of European football with Everton was a big draw for the player, as well as the chance to compete in the Premiership. Pienaar has already made it clear that he relishes the prospect of a permanent transfer to Everton.
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