Puma backs Steven Pienaar Community Tournament

Everton FC midfield star Steven Pienaar returned home to support the annual Steven Pienaar Community Tournament which took place over consecutive weekends in his old neighbourhood of Westbury, with the final played on Monday June 17.

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,” said Pienaar.

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 Saturday 15 June, Sunday 16 June and Monday 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 longtime boot partner, supports the English Premier League star’s commitment to his hometown community. “It is fantastic to once again support Steven in his annual tournament. 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. We hope that the inspiring figure of Steven in his PUMA’s will unearth new talent for PUMA from Westbury and its surrounds,” said Brett Bellinger, Marketing Director of PUMA South Africa.