Fantastic move by Jose Riveiro’s team: 27-year-old right-back Deano van Rooyen, who was formerly with Stellenbosch, was signed by Orlando Pirates. He’s a better player than he’s been given credit for!
To rival Monyane, the Orlando Pirates sign a tough-tackler.
Pirates weakened Stellenbosch, a direct adversary that forced them to the last day of the competition for Caf Champions League qualifying, and instantly improved their right-back position by signing Deano Van Rooyen.
Last season, Van Rooyen made the most tackles—57—of any player in the PSL. With 111 appearances out of a potential 120 in the last four league seasons, he is a reliable player who seldom misses a game.
Mr. Trustworthy! On the other hand, Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s name is at the top of the list in terms of tackles per game. The Chiefs defender known as “The Ox” finished 55 tackles in just 18 games, a very effective average of 3.05 completed tackles per game.
Bucs announce and welcome Deano via their official website, while the Pirates introduce Van Rooyen:
The signing of Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC is announced with pleasure by the Orlando Pirates Football Club. With the Buccaneers, the 27-year-old has agreed to a three-year deal that includes a two-year option.
After signing with Stellenbosch FC as a teenager, Van Rooyen made his senior debut in 2016 at the age of 19. After three years, he would help the Maroons get promoted to the Premiership.
After then, he rose to prominence for the team, averaging a remarkable 27 league games a year (since 2019).
“Die Hond,” as he is amiably called and whose name symbolizes his never-say-die attitude, has performed admirably for his previous club, making over 150 appearances across all competitions.
