The defender has ended his eight-year spell with Stellenbosch FC
Deano van Rooyen has written an emotional farewell to Stellenbosch FC following his transfer to Orlando Pirates.
The right-back completed his move to Pirates on Monday, ending eight highly successful years at Stellenbosch, and he has explained how grateful he is to the club for handing him an opportunity to live his dream
“It has been a dream come true for me to play for Stellenbosch FC over the last eight years,” said Van Rooyen.
“Growing up in Stellenbosch, there was never a professional football club, so the moment the club was formed, it became my dream to become a Stellenbosch player.
Defender led Stellenbosch to their first trophy
“It was a huge privilege and honour for me to wear the maroon jersey and there are so many memories that stand out from my time at the club – making my debut, winning the NFD, and lifting the Carling Knockout.
“As a local, I am incredibly proud to have helped bring silverware to the club and it is a great feeling to know that young players from Stellenbosch can look at my journey and know that it is possible to chase those dreams.”
Van Rooyen went on about the challenges he had to overcome to succeed at the Danie Craven Stadium.
“It’s not easy, there are a lot of obstacles, and it requires a lot of hard work to be successful, but it is possible if you have the belief,” he added.
Who will suffer most after Van Rooyen’s arrival?
“And then of course, being there to win the Carling Knockout is a memory that will live with me forever. It was incredibly special to lift the trophy as a local player and it’s something I will carry with me until the day I retire.”
The defender signed a three-year contract at Pirates, with the option for two more, and will add quality to Jose Riveiro’s team who will be challenging domestically and on the continent.
He will face competition from Thabiso Lebitso, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Bandile Shandu at Pirates but the Buccaneers will not be able to call on him for their MTN8 defence as he is cup-tied, having played for the Stellies against TS Galaxy in the quarter-final.
He is Pirates’ third signing after Angolan attacker Gilberto and former SuperSport United midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja.
