Van Rooyen Relishing Stellies Reunion

Orlando Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen is relishing a reunion with his former side Stellenbosch FC when the Cape Winelands outfit visits the Buccaneers in a Betway Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
The talented right-back made his senior debut in the colors of Stellies and was instrumental in helping them gain promotion to the top-flight division with over 100 appearances for the club before joining the Soweto giants in 2024.
Van Rooyen has fitted in like a glove in Jose Riveiro’s team with nine matches played so far, providing solid competition to Thabiso Monyane whilst Bandile Shandu and Thabiso Lebitso are still out injured but making steady progress to full fitness.
The Western Cape-born player has admitted to having mixed feelings about facing a side that nurtured him though he maintains that emotions will come second to the colour of a shirt when the two sides meet.
“It’s going to be a nice and happy moment for me to play against my former team but in the same aspect we must continue the journey for what I came here for, I came here to represent Orlando Pirates but it’s going to be a privilege to play against Stellenbosch, ” said Van Rooyen.
Nicknamed “Die Hond”, Van Rooyen has emphasized that one of the main objectives for the Sea Robbers is to lift the league title at the end of the season, although he insists they are taking it one game at a time.
“Yes, it is the case [to win the league] but we take it one day at a time, one game at a time, so for us it’s just to improve to be better and to make the fans happy in each game, ” the ex-Stellies captain declared.
The 28-year-old went on to reveal that he has always dreamt of donning the famous black and white jersey, describing his switch to Pirates as a dream come true since he grew up rallying behind the team in his childhood.
“For me, this is a dream move, this is what I wanted when I was a young kid – to play for a big team like Orlando Pirates, I supported them when I was like eight, nine years old watching them win trophies, ” Van Rooyen stated.
“I’m just here to bring that [winning culture] back to the club with the experience that I have in my football career. In the Champions League, it’s something different, the play is more physical, and everything is quick and fast but it’s an honor and privilege to play in the Champions League.”
With continental experience gained in Africa’s elite club competition, Van Rooyen has now set his sights on other loftier ambitions like catching the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for a spot in the national team. “Everyone wants to play for the national team, I’m waiting for my time, I’m going to wait for my time when it comes and I will be ready but for me it’s to focus on my job here at Orlando Pirates, just to play every game and focus, ” said the Bucs defender.