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World Cup 2010: Mental strength will be key for South Africa - Steven Pienaar
Everton star aware of the pressures when playing for 50million people...
1 Mar 2010 15:28:00
By Stefan Coerts
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar is the star player of South Africa's national side and the influential midfielder is looking forward to representing his native country at this summer's World Cup.
However, the former Ajax starlet is aware of the pressure on Bafana Bafana and has stated that he and his team-mates have to be very strong mentally.
"We will go into the game with experience of the FIFA Confederations Cup. I think the players want to win, we know it’s not going to be easy but that’s our goal, which then makes it easier for the next two games," said Pienaar to fifa.com.
"I’ll say the mental strength of the players must be top notch. That’s a key for us to go through to the next stage. The pressure must not get to us and we have to just work as a team, give everything we have.
"When you play for South Africa, you're representing almost 50 million people, and they expect you to do well. You're also representing your family, which means a lot to me. That's some pressure, but it's also an honour."
| Bet: | Returns: | FK Teplice £11.20 | Draw £60.00 | Ethiopia £150.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | FK Teplice £11.25 | Draw £60.00 | Ethiopia £150.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | FK Teplice £11.70 | Draw £65.00 | Ethiopia £170.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | FK Teplice £11.50 | Draw £65.00 | Ethiopia £105.00 |
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However, the former Ajax starlet is aware of the pressure on Bafana Bafana and has stated that he and his team-mates have to be very strong mentally.
"We will go into the game with experience of the FIFA Confederations Cup. I think the players want to win, we know it’s not going to be easy but that’s our goal, which then makes it easier for the next two games," said Pienaar to fifa.com.
"I’ll say the mental strength of the players must be top notch. That’s a key for us to go through to the next stage. The pressure must not get to us and we have to just work as a team, give everything we have.
"When you play for South Africa, you're representing almost 50 million people, and they expect you to do well. You're also representing your family, which means a lot to me. That's some pressure, but it's also an honour."
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Make Your Prediction Choose match
South Africa - Ethiopia
South Africa
Ethiopia
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Most Popular Predictions
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South Africa 0-2 Ethiopia
- 21.57 %
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South Africa 1-0 Ethiopia
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South Africa 1-1 Ethiopia
- 7.84 %
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