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Deano van Rooyen pens heartfelt message to Stellies

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Deano van Rooyen of Stellenbosch FC celebrates victory at the final whistle during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 game between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 5 August 2023 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
  • Post published:August 13, 2024

Deano van Rooyen has penned a heartfelt message to Stellenbosch FC following his transfer to Orlando Pirates.

The 27-year-old joins the Buccaneers after penning a three-year contract with the option to extend it for a further two-years.

Van Rooyen joins the club from Stellenbosch FC, where he spent the past eight seasons since making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2016.

The former Stellenbosch captain has made a total of 134 appearances across all competitions for the Maroons and has scored three goals and registered a further eight in the process.

He has since sent a heartfelt message to the Maroons following his departure.

“It has been a dream come true for me to play for Stellenbosch FC over the last eight years,” Van Rooyen said.

“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.

“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.

“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: “Being able to captain the Club when called upon was a huge honour.

“I remember the first time was in a match against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium when Robyn Johannes handed me the armband. I knew immediately in that moment that I had an opportunity to showcase my leadership qualities.

“The armband weighed heavy, but I knew I had it in me to lead the team. It also helped that I was supported and could learn from the coaches and senior players like Lee Langeveldt, Morgan Gould, Jarrod Moroole, Rafiq de Goede, and Robyn along the way, and then use those lessons to guide our younger players.

“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.

“I also just want to say thank you to all of the supporters. I am incredibly grateful for the backing we received as a team and for the support I received personally.

“Stellenbosch will always be home, and it was a huge honour and privilege for me to get to play in front of the crowd at Danie Craven Stadium. I will cherish those memories and I know that I will carry their support with me on the next step of my journey,” he concluded.