Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of right-back Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC.
The 27-year-old arrives at the club after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract, with an option to extend his stay 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 Stellenbosch-born right-back 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.
Deano van Rooyen has today completed a permanent transfer to Orlando Pirates.
Hailing from Stellenbosch, Deano departs as a local legend and as the club's all-time appearance record holder. We wish him well and thank him for his immense service.
Read the full statement below ↓
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 12, 2024
He now becomes the club’s seventh signing, behind Gilberto, Selaelo Rasebotja, Thalente Mbatha, Thuso Moleleki, Bayanda Thabethe and Mohau Nkota.
Orlando Pirates have since released the following statement on the arrival of van Rooyen:
Orlando Pirates Football Club Is pleased to announce the signing of Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC. The 27-year-old has signed a three year contract with the Buccaneers, which includes an additional two-year option.
Van Rooyen who joined Stellenbosch FC as a teenager, made his senior debut in 2016 featuring as a substitute at 19 years old. He would go on to help the Maroons gain promotion to the Premiership three years later.
He went to become a prominent figure for the club, averaging an impressive 27 league matches per season (since 2019).
Die Hond as he is affectionately known, a name that underpins his never say die spirit, has served his former club with flying colours – registering over 150 appearances in all competitions.
☠️ Player Announcement 📢
Orlando Pirates Football Club Is pleased to announce the signing of @van_deano from @StellenboschFC on a 3 year contract ,Welcome to Orlando Pirates Deano! Full
💻 Full Details 👉🏾 https://t.co/nU6qXGJu8i
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OnceAlways#OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/YcRIWfPY8u
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 12, 2024