Everton's Steven Pienaar has sought to allay fears over the World
Cup finals later this year following the gun attack on the Togo
squad.
The Togolese have pulled out of the African Cup of Nations in
Angola - although they may yet return at a later date - after
Friday's attack on the team bus left three dead.
But Everton midfielder Pienaar said the attack will not have
any impact on the World Cup finals taking place this summer in his
South African homeland.
The 27-year-old said: "It will definitely not have any impact
on the World Cup. "It is something that's happened but South Africa
and Angola are two different worlds apart.
"I understand how people might be worried. They have seen
what has happened and think it might happen in South Africa. But
it's two different worlds. This would not happen in South Africa."
Pienaar agrees with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that
cancelling the African Cup of Nations tournament would be seen as a
victory for terrorists. He said: "It's a disgrace to the continent
and a shame for the people involved. You just can't do that.
Football is supposed to bring the continent together.
"People love the game in Africa, they live for football. An
incident like this is disappointing but I think the tournament
should go ahead." He added: "I know this area quite well. Angola is
a country which has been dismantled through civil war over the
years.
"I don't think anyone was surprised to hear they were holding
games in Cabinda. If a country is chosen to host the African
Nations Cup it is an honour and everyone was looking forward to
it."
