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Pieterse: Chiefs are bigger than Shamrock

Cape Town - Reyaad Pieterse is happy to continue to challenge for a place in the Kaizer Chiefs side as he praises the strength in the PSL.

Reyaad Pieterse is more qualified that most to judge the PSL’s strengths and weaknesses having played for Shamrock Rovers in Ireland before moving back to South Africa to join Kaizer Chiefs in January 2013.

As far as the young goalkeeper is concerned, his previous club Shamrock Rovers cannot hold a candle to Kaizer Chiefs.

“Chiefs is a much bigger club compared to Shamrock Rovers even though Shamrock play in the Europa League” said Pieterse in an exclusive interview with Sport24.

“Kaizer Chiefs is on a much larger scale especially if you compare the number of fans and the importance of the club generally in the country.

“Because Shamrock is based in Ireland and play in European competitions, people always ask me ‘Why did you leave them to come back to South Africa’?

Pieterse is able to answer that inevitable question with at least two reasons.

“Chiefs is a much stronger side. I think we have much better players currently if you compare our squad to that of Shamrock and the league in general is of a higher standard in South Africa and the players generally are more skilful.

“The Irish league maybe more physical but it is not as quick as the PSL.

“The game in South Africa is played at 100 miles an hour.”

Pieterse also highlighted the impact of the Multichoice Diski Challenge on this season’s campaign which is helping all club’s increase their squad depth and grow the game.

Pieterse has been unable to pass Brilliant Khuzwayo in the race to replace injured goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune but insists he knows that his time will come if he continues to train hard and keep impressing the technical staff.

Competition for places is rife at the Amakhosi and not just in the goalkeeping department and Pieterse quickly ruled out talk of any ill-feelings in the squad towards those chosen to start by Stuart Baxter.

“The competition I have with Brilliant and Itumeleng is good and healthy.

“No one is bitter for the fact that the other guy is playing.

“We all support each other.”

At just 22-years-old, Reyaad Pieterse has time on his hands and is happy to remain loyal to Kaizer Chiefs as he continues to test himself at the highest level and against the very best in the league. 

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