Orlando Pirates signed Stellenbosch captain Deano van Rooyen in the most recent transfer window to bolster their defensive unit.
The right-back had lived in the Western Cape for the better part of his life and rose through the ranks at Stellies. Jose Riveiro went for the 28-year-old who he believed would be vital in his team's ambitions ahead of the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League campaign.
It was not going to be an easy decision for the talented full-back who had just helped his team win the 2023/24 Carling Knockout, their first-ever major title.
Van Rooyen revealed it was easy for him to accept Orlando Pirates because he had been supporting the team since his childhood. He further stated how versatile Kaizer Chiefs attacker Ashley du Preez helped him settle his mind regarding a move to Johannesburg.
I had to follow my Pirates dream
“You know it's always difficult to leave your home and go to a new place,” the defender said in his interview with SNL24.
“It was hard and emotional for me because all my life all I knew about was life in Cape Town but at the same time, I had to follow my dream. I have always dreamt of playing for a big team like Pirates. I have supported Pirates since I was like 8 or 9 years old and this was a dream come true that I could not turn down.
Though, as much as it was emotional, this is my work and a job opportunity came around and I had to take it,” van Rooyen continued.
How Du Preez helped van Rooyen make a switch to Bucs
“Yes, my cousin [Ashley Du Preez] told me that I could come to Joburg as there was nothing bad,” the former Stellies skipper continued.
“He advised me to follow my dreams and join Pirates. The only problem now is we don't meet that much because we were rivals but we text each other more often to check on each other. But I had to sacrifice the other family as they are still in Cape Town, and also you know in Cape Town I used to be indoors and just go the mall to buy groceries but here things are so far apart and then there is the traffic on the roads.
“I think that's the main difference for now. But I am getting used to life in Gauteng now,” Van Rooyen concluded.
The defender will be playing against his former team on Sunday in the Premier Soccer League game that will be staged at the Orlando Stadium.
