Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has heaped praise on Deano van Rooyen after he became the club’s all-time record appearance maker.

The 26-year-old became the most-capped player for Stellies when he took to the field during their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership on Sunday, March 5.

Van Rooyen has now racked up a total of 116 appearances across all competitions in the famous maroon jersey.

The Stellies right back is currently the last remaining member from the squad that gained promotion to the top flight as he overtook former teammate Rafiq de Goede as the most capped player.

“Deano is just fantastic for this football club,” Barker said following the match. “He’s had a tough 18 months to two years with the loss of family members; both his parents, the late Oshwin (Andries) was his cousin, and recently he lost his grandmother as well.

“He looks after his family and siblings so for him to still continue to perform week in and week out the way he does, and with the effort that he gives, is a just a credit to him and the human being that he is.

“I am really delighted for him that he has been able to claim the record. When I arrived at Stellenbosch, right at the beginning when [former coach] Sammy Troughton was still here, Deano and (former Stellenbosch F.C. forward) Ashley Du Preez would come to training from school as young kids.

“To see him and others fulfil their potential, and become idols in their communities, where people look up to them as upstanding members of the community now, is really something that I am pleased for, and he deserves every accolade that he gets.”

Stellenbosch FC’s most-capped players:

1) Deano van Rooyen (116)*
2) Rafiq de Goede (114)
3) Jarrod Moroole (108)
4) Ashley Du Preez (98)
5) Alan Robertson (95)
6) Iqraam Rayners (85)*
7) Leletu Skelem (78)
8) Marc van Heerden (78)
9) Lee Langeveldt (74)*
10) Sibusiso Mthethwa (73)

Photo by Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix