Don't miss: Bafana Bafana squad announced
'Schillo' sent a message to Bafana coach Gordon Igesund and Safa CEO Robin Petersen late on Monday stating his intentions to quit the national team.
“It is with regret that I wish to inform you that I’m not available for the national team,” Pienaar wrote.
"I am proud to have represented and captained my country," he said in a statement. "There is a lot of very good young talent coming through and perhaps it is time for them to be given an opportunity.
"I wish the coaching staff and the players all the very best for the future."
Pienaar has served the nation for 10 years and Igesund says the nation must “respect” his decision to call it quits.
Greece-based defender Bongani Khumalo will now take over as captain.
Your comments on this story...
Thank you Steven for what you have done for your country. (Siyabonga Wright)
what happened to Shabba becoming captain?
we cannot deny the fact that Pienaar was a good player who was never used properly at national level. I wish him all the best, what can Pienaar do playing alongside average players like YEYE,SHABBA,PARKER.
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Am I the only one remembering the same Igesund, who went on his wrinkled knees, and disrespected one player's decision to call it quits, when he begged him to consider his decision, after dismally failing to win the No.1 goalkeeper spot?Gordon, double standards are not gona take you anywhere baba, treat all players the same.You are showing signs of failure now, you ought to earn the respect of all the SA players, byt not being biased and keep your own word.
Good luck to him and his future at Everton