Orlando Pirates full-back Deano van Rooyen admits it was not hard leaving Stellenbosch for the Buccaneers since it is the club he always supported as a child.
Van Rooyen left Stellenbosch in the off-season to join the Sea Robbers and has been a key member of Jose Riveiro’s team since his arrival.
The right-back has made 14 appearances in all competitions and scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday’s 8-1 thrashing of Marumo Gallants while he also has one assist to his name.
Pirates defender happy to live his dream
As he continues to flourish for the Soweto giants, Van Rooyen is delighted that he is living his dream and is eyeing success with his new team.
“Pirates have always been my team,” Van Rooyen told Soccer Laduma.
“I think I started supporting Pirates when I was eight or nine years old. So, it was not a hard decision for me to make to join them when the chance came through.
“Yes, I enjoyed my life at Stellenbosch as that was home to me and the team was like a family to me, but I have to realise my dream of playing for a team that I have always supported. It is very hard for such a dream to come true. I am happy mine did.”
Should Van Rooyen get Bafana call-ups?
Van Rooyen also hopes that his switch to Pirates will open up a door for him to get a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad.
“The competition at Pirates is very good and that is what will help me improve my game and fight for a place in the national team,” he added.
“It is every player’s dream to represent their country and my move to Johannesburg and Pirates will also help me with that dream.”
