By Ben Wyatt BBC Sport

Pienaar is enjoying life at Everton

"I'm having fun; the team is good, the players are really friendly, I haven't felt this at home since I was at Ajax.

"I came to Everton to work hard and to secure a permanent deal - I definitely want to stay," Pienaar told BBC Sport.

The 25-year-old has a three-year deal with German side Borussia Dortmund, which he is due to fulfil next season.

However, the left-sided midfielder struggled to maintain a first-team place during his time in Germany and is keen to stay in England.

"If you make a mistake here, everyone laughs and you're encouraged to keep trying.

"The attacking football we play is because of this encouragement; confidence is high and we're getting results on the pitch.

"This really helps to build your confidence, so I've settled in quick and feel like I've been here for years now," Pienaar added.

The attacking midfielder made his name playing over 100 games for Netherlands' side Ajax, in a team that included Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimovic amongst others.

His success in Amsterdam led to his debut for South Africa in 2002 when he went on to become part of the Bafana Bafana's World Cup team.

He has since gone on to secure 21 international caps for his country.

In January 2006, Pienaar signed for Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in what proved a testing time for the young player.

"It was the most difficult decision I ever made, to leave Ajax and Amsterdam, as the club had done so much for me.

"They gave me an opportunity to become a professional football player and made me feel welcome when I moved away from South Africa and all my friends and family.

"For me to move away was very difficult but I had to make a sacrifice to try and achieve my goal.

"Ajax will always be special and I became very close to the supporters there," said the Johannesburg-born player.