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South Africa star Steven Pienaar hoping to boost Everton's popularity back home with win against Manchester United
A win against Red Devils would be special for South African star...
7 Sep 2010 20:20:00
By Michael Landon
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar wants his side to beat Manchester United on Saturday and in the process convert more Toffees fans in his homeland South Africa.
The 28-year-old is South African football's big star and one of the most high-profile players ever to emerge from the country.
As a result, Everton’s popularity in that part of the world is growing as Pienaar’s exploits in a blue shirt receive a lot of media attention.
However, despite a growing fanbase in Africa, the Toffees still have some way to go before they can match the level of South African support commanded by Saturday’s visitors to Goodison Park, Manchester United.
But Pienaar is hoping a victory against the Manchester giants will convert some fans over to his club.
“A lot of people in South Africa are Man United fans but English football is very popular there,” Pienaar told Everton's official website.
“Everyone wants to support a big club and there are a lot of Evertonians there now. A lot of people are starting to support Everton in South Africa which is great.
“A lot of my friends in South Africa support Man United so it [scoring a goal] would be something for me to boast about.
“But it would be great for the team, not just for me personally, a win would be really special for the team.”
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The 28-year-old is South African football's big star and one of the most high-profile players ever to emerge from the country.
As a result, Everton’s popularity in that part of the world is growing as Pienaar’s exploits in a blue shirt receive a lot of media attention.
However, despite a growing fanbase in Africa, the Toffees still have some way to go before they can match the level of South African support commanded by Saturday’s visitors to Goodison Park, Manchester United.
But Pienaar is hoping a victory against the Manchester giants will convert some fans over to his club.
“A lot of people in South Africa are Man United fans but English football is very popular there,” Pienaar told Everton's official website.
“Everyone wants to support a big club and there are a lot of Evertonians there now. A lot of people are starting to support Everton in South Africa which is great.
“A lot of my friends in South Africa support Man United so it [scoring a goal] would be something for me to boast about.
“But it would be great for the team, not just for me personally, a win would be really special for the team.”
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provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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