Cape Town - Absa Premiership outfit Wits have released Steven Pienaar just six months after the former Everton and Bafana Bafana midfielder joined the club.

After winning the title last season, the Students have endured a nightmare campaign this time around and find themselves bottom of the table near the halfway stage of the season.

Pienaar is one of several players who have underperformed for Wits this season and, having featured in only six league games, the club has decided to let him go.

"Unfortunately, it hasn't worked and we agreed to part ways and we wish him all the best in his future," head coach Gavin Hunt told IOL website.

The former Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland playmaker, 35, had been linked with a move to Orlando Pirates before signing for the Clever Boys.

The Johannesburg team have already signed pre-contract agreements with Thobani Mncwango, Robyn Johannes and Denis Weidlich, and have also brought in Edwin Gyimah and Lehlohonolo Majoro as they look to reinforce the squad.

“Our position on the log has forced us to make changes in our squad,” Hunt elaborated.

“We lacked depth and we needed to strengthen our team. We will continue to beef up our team in the next few weeks.” 

The league champions take on Free State Stars on Friday, January 5 evening as the Absa Premiership returns.

Kick-off is at 20:00.