Everton boss showers praise on Pienaar for a sparkling return

FORMER Bafana Bafana skipper Steven Pienaar played his first match in more than eight months when he started in Everton’s comfortable 2-0 English FA Cup victory over fourth-tier Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 33-year-old has been beset by injury troubles in the past year, with his only previous appearance in the past 13 months coming at Swansea City in April.

But after coming through a friendly played behind closed doors, he was given a start in the FA Cup by Everton manager Roberto Martinez, almost marking his return with a goal inside the opening few minutes.

"Schillo" lasted 77 minutes. He will hope this sparks the end of his injury nightmare, with the player still having plenty to offer the club, according to Martinez who described his performance as "the highlight of the afternoon".

The manager said: "He has worked really hard to get fit and the warmth of the fans was a good moment. I expected him to play for an hour and he lasted longer."

Pienaar will hope to play a role in the next fortnight for Everton that includes two matches against Manchester City in the league and Carling Cup, as well as a visit to Chelsea.

There was more frustration for Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie after he was handed a rare start at Premier League side Bournemouth, only to limp off injured in their 2-1 FA Cup victory over Birmingham City.

Rantie was replaced in the 39th minute against a team that has provided some rare moments of joy for him with The Cherries — he scored twice when the teams met last season in an 8-0 romp for Bournemouth.

Anele Ngcongca played for French Ligue 1 side Troyes, but it proved another dismal outing as they were thumped 4-1 at Lyon.

Troyes are still without a win after 20 matches in Ligue 1 this season and are rooted to the bottom of the table, 12 points from safety.

Thibang Phete was an unused substitute for Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Guimaraes as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Acouna.

Pietermaritzburg-born Michael Travis netted his sixth goal of the season as Forfar Athletic were held to a 3-3 draw at non-league Linlithgow Rose in the Scottish FA Cup.

Kyle Jacobs’ Queen of the South were knocked out of the competition after they lost 2-1 at fellow Championship side Dumbarton.