Mark Fish vs Steven Pienaar
South Africa against South Africa. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Mark Fish
South Africa · 1995–98 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic
The quarter-final against Algeria in January 1996 was goalless into the 72nd minute when Fish, a centre back, scored the first goal of a night that ended 2-1 to South Africa. He lifted that Africa Cup of Nations a week later, had won the African Cup of Champions Clubs with Orlando Pirates in 1995, was runner-up in 1998, and made the Team of the Tournament in 1996, 1998 and at the 1997 Confederations Cup. Career record: 62 caps and 2 goals for South Africa; club career at Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic.
Steven Pienaar
South Africa · 2010–12 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in South Africa
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 61 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Everton
Everton's thousandth Premier League goal was a Pienaar header against Tottenham on 9 December 2012, scored in the blue shirt he wore for 203 games while he and Leighton Baines ran the left touchline together. Two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup came earlier at Ajax, Everton's Player of the Season followed in 2010, and he took 61 caps into two World Cups, wearing 10 at home in 2010. Career record: 61 caps and 3 goals for South Africa; club career at AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Everton.
The verdict
The almanac puts Steven Pienaar ahead by 1 rating point, 84 against 83.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.