Nelson Mandela's words of wisdom inspired Steven Pienaar to become a Premier League star
Steven Pienaar has revealed the personal inspiration that he drew from Nelson Mandela to become a star of the Premier League.
Everton’s South African winger recalls the guiding words of his country’s late former president that led him on the path to a successful career in football.
And even as he mourned the death of the beloved “Madiba”, Pienaar reaffirmed his commitment to the cause that would not die.
Pienaar, 31, said: “The words that came out of his mouth were always inspirational. He loved his sport and he loved his nation.
“He was a man of sport and believed sport can bring people together. If it wasn’t for him I don’t think I’d be sitting here today and I’m really grateful for that.
“I remember the first time I met him, I was 15 years of age.
“We played a tournament in Italy with the school and we did quite well. When we got back we were in class and the principal said we had to go and meet the president.
“When he walked into the room the first thing he said was, ‘gentlemen, you guys have an opportunity in your hands. Sport is the most important thing to put smiles on people’s faces and you have something special and you have to keep working hard’.
“I’ll never forget. Those words will stick in my head, to do everything possible to reach my goal.
“I met him a few times, also with my little girl, so the emotion comes when you hear people talking about him. It was very sad for the whole country to lose a father figure.
“The whole world will remember him for always shaking the enemy’s hand.”
This season, Pienaar and his Everton team-mates have been encouraged to play with fun in their hearts and smiles on their faces by new manager Roberto Martinez.
The consequence is a brand of football that has charmed the purists and put Everton in contention for a Champions League place.
Today they continue the pursuit of that objective when they visit a Swansea team that itself found a creative football identity under the Spaniard.
Pienaar said: “For a few players the manager’s way of training and playing was a shock but we had to get used to it. He wants us to dominate a game and enjoy our football.”
Pienaar rediscovered a deeper love of the game after he returned to Goodison, initially on loan, following his ill-starred move to Tottenham.
He said: “The mentality in London is totally different. The people up here are more relaxed, open-minded. Down there it’s ‘work, work’.
“Anything is possible for this team and the mentality to aim high is big, but we don’t want to put pressure on ourselves.
“I’d welcome the chance of Everton in the Champions League. But let’s see where we are in February or March.”
Source: Mirror
