Van Rooyen Delighted With Pirates Debut

New Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen expressed his joy after making his debut for the club in their 2-1 victory over Chippa United in the opening game of the Betway Premiership 2024/25 season at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Although Pirates faced a tough challenge, they managed to come from behind after conceding an early goal from former player Andile Jali. Tshegofatso Mabasa equalized with a controversial penalty before Monnapule Saleng secured the win with a late header.
Van Rooyen praised his teammates’ mentality and highlighted the importance of a positive start to the season.
“Firstly, I want to thank the man above for giving me the talent,” said Van Rooyen, who one time tracked back to clear the danger after Bienvenu Eva Nga was going to face Sipho Chaine and potentially to score.
“I’m happy to make my debut here at Orlando Stadium and it was a great feeling and we just have to continue from here.”
He added: “It is just great mentality (to play like this) for me and if the mentality is right, you can achieve anything you want.”
The win saw Pirates move to fourth in the Betway Premiership table with three points, becoming one of the seventh clubs who won on the opening game of the season.
“Obviously, it is a good start with a win at home and it just boost the confident heading to the next game and for the league going forward,” the former Stellenbosch defender added.
Pirates’ next game is the second leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League when they host Jwaneng Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (18:00).