Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar back in Westbury

(KICKOFF)Everton midfielder and former Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar returned home to support the annual Steven Pienaar Community Tournament which took place over consecutive weekends in his old neighbourhood of Westbury.

The creative midfielder, who still has family and friends in Westbury and visits whenever he comes back to South Africa, was mobbed by fans of all ages and generously obliged by signing hundreds of autographs and posing for photographs.  “It is an honour to be involved in the event in Westbury; these kids don’t have many opportunities so it is important for me to help them take the first steps to a better life,” Pienaar says.

The annual tournament featured 120 teams spread across Under-8, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-20, seniors and masters categories from the following clubs: Argies, Marseille, Benfica, Westbury Spurs, Zico Boys, Palmero’s, Eldos Sporting, MaNats, Madrid, Yorkshires, Nazerene, Nip&Nip, Brazillians, Bellavista, Shaggy, Westbury Stars, Noordgesig FC, The Boys, Commordores, Milan, Left and Right, Randfontein, Edenpark Callie’s, Leeds, Puff Daddy United, Oval Masters, Clairemont, Porto, Popcorn Valley, Deluxe United, Future Masters, Son United, Ayoba Guilt, Ennerdale, Tokies United, Nigel FC, City FC, Umlilo and Crimson Lads.

The teams played group games over the weekend of 8 and 9 June, with the quarterfinals, semi-finals, 3rd-place playoff and Final on 15 June, 16 June and June 17. The senior final was won by Nazerene FC, who beat Tokies United 2-1 to claim the R20 000 first prize. The runners-up took home R10 000 with R2 500 to each of the losing semi-finalists.PUMA, Pienaar’s long-time boot partner, supports the player’s commitment to his hometown community.

“It is fantastic to once again support Steven in his annual tournament,” said Brett Bellinger, Marketing Director of PUMA South Africa. "It is easy when you are on the global football stage to forget one’s humble beginnings, but Steven has chosen to use his profile and status to give something back to his community.”