Steven Pienaar believes he can help new club Tottenham win silverware this season.
New signing tips Tottenham to compete for top honours
Steven Pienaar believes he can help new club Tottenham win silverware this season.
Having finished fourth last season to clinch a place in this year's UEFA Champions League, Spurs are now fifth in the current campaign, just one point behind defending champions Chelsea.
Harry Redknapp's men are still in the FA Cup and have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League in style, attracting admirers from across Europe.
Tottenham's European adventure played a major factor in Pienaar choosing them instead of Chelsea as both clubs came in for him in the transfer window.
The 28-year-old midfielder was available at a cut-price fee as he was out of contract with Everton at the end of the season and he completed a £3million move to Tottenham on Tuesday, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract at White Hart Lane.
The South African knows he has his work cut out trying to earn a regular starting role but is confident he can make the Spurs team become even stronger.
"I am delighted to be here," Pienaar told the club's
official website.
"For me personally, I want to make sure I work hard and fight for a starting place in the team. I know it won't be easy but I am mentally strong to do that.
"As for the team, we are not far off first place in the Premier League so I think we've got a good chance to go all the way and win a trophy this season.
"When you look at the way the team has been playing, they are really serious challengers for the cups, while the run in the Champions League has made a lot of people change their minds about Spurs.
Energy
"I hope to bring a lot of energy, creativity and of course hard work to the team. I always put the team before myself and I think that's important as a player.
"Of course, as a player, you want to play in a good team and challenge yourself and that's what I always try to do as an individual."
Pienaar was also tempted by the prospect of linking up with former Ajax team-mate Rafael van der Vaart and international colleague Bongani Khumalo.
The 24-year-old defender joined from Supersport United earlier this month and the arrival of he and Pienaar will please many of their countrymen.
"I have played a few times against Spurs and I know the club have a big following in South Africa so, for me, being from there, it was an easy choice to make," Pienaar added.
"Bongani is a young player, a very intelligent footballer, and I think as time goes on he will develop and become a good centre-back, hopefully as good as Lucas Radebe was.
"Everyone in South Africa, and me personally as well, think he will be the future captain of the national team so let's hope everything goes according to plan for him."
