Orlando Pirates agree to end Deano van Rooyen spell

Orlando Pirates and right-back Deano van Rooyen have mutually agreed to end his time at the club, with both parties concluding “that the time is right for him to begin a new chapter in his career”.

The 29-year-old had not featured for Pirates this season, despite the club having already played four matches while beginning their defence of the Betway Premiership and MTN8 titles.

There have been no reports that Van Rooyen was unavailable because of injury. Instead, Kamogelo Sebelebele has emerged as the preferred option at right wing-back, taking up the position after the departures of Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu.

Lebitso joined Stellenbosch FC, while Shandu moved to Durban City.

Van Rooyen’s departure is not entirely unexpected after he was used sparingly during Pirates’ domestic treble-winning campaign last season. He made 14 appearances in all competitions, a limited contribution for a player who had previously established himself as one of the country’s leading right-backs.

His exit is likely to be particularly disappointing given the impact he made during his first campaign at Pirates under former manager Jose Riveiro. Three seasons ago, Van Rooyen played an important role as the club won the MTN8, finished second in the league and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

The defender joined Pirates from Stellenbosch during the 2024/25 season as a Bafana Bafana international. His move to the Johannesburg club had represented the fulfilment of a long-held ambition, arriving with a reputation as arguably one of the best right-backs in South African football.

Pirates said Van Rooyen had maintained a professional attitude throughout his time at the club, regardless of whether he was selected in the starting line-up or introduced as a substitute.

“At Pirates, he delivered exactly what was asked of him. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Deano carried himself as a model professional throughout his time at the club – where he recorded over 50 appearances,” the club stated.

His departure leaves Pirates with a change to their options on the right side of defence as the new season gets under way. Sebelebele has been given the most responsibility in the role so far, following the exits of Lebitso and Shandu.

A return to Stellenbosch FC could be a possibility. Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt has brought several former players back to the club, and Van Rooyen could potentially follow the same path. His return to the maroon shirt would therefore not be a surprise, although no move has been confirmed.

Van Rooyen’s spell at Pirates ends after he had made more than 50 appearances for the club, having experienced both a successful debut season and a significant reduction in playing time during the campaign that followed.