Deano Van Rooyen bids emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates after club exit

Former Orlando Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen has thanked the club and its supporters after leaving the Buccaneers following an agreement to end his time at the club.

The 29-year-old right-back joined Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC in August 2024. However, the two parties mutually agreed to part ways last week, bringing his spell with the Sea Robbers to an end.

Van Rooyen made 51 appearances for Orlando Pirates during his time at the club. He had, though, slipped down the defensive pecking order under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, a situation which contributed to his departure during the current transfer window.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, Van Rooyen used social media to issue a heartfelt message of appreciation to the club, his former team-mates, the coaching staff and the Orlando Pirates supporters.

“Hereby I would like to express my gratitude towards the club for an incredible two years,” Van Rooyen stated.

“What a honour and privilege it has been to wear the colours and represent the team. I’m grateful for every opportunity, every challenge, lesson and shared memories with each one of you.

“The past two years truly build me not only as a footballer but a person. And I leave this club with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I’ll forever cherish.

“To my team mates, thank you for the brotherhood, the battles and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch. To the coaches, technical team, management and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for the guidance, the dedication and support throughout my time here.

“And last but not least my Orlando Pirates supporters, it has been a privilege to play in front of you and to be part of the buccaneers family, thank you for the loyalty and unwavering support.

“I leave this club with nothing but respect, love and a grateful heart

“Once a Buccaneer always a Buccaneer.”

Van Rooyen’s message marked the conclusion of a two-year period in which he represented one of South Africa’s leading clubs. He described his time at Orlando Pirates as important not only to his development as a footballer, but also to his growth as a person.

His departure follows a change in his standing within the squad under Ouaddou. After joining from Stellenbosch FC, Van Rooyen became part of the Orlando Pirates set-up and went on to feature 51 times before the club and player agreed that his spell should end.

The defender’s farewell also acknowledged the wider group involved at Orlando Pirates, including the coaches, technical staff, management and those working behind the scenes. He thanked them for their guidance, commitment and support during his time with the Buccaneers.

Van Rooyen reserved particular praise for the club’s supporters, saying it had been a privilege to play in front of them and be part of the “buccaneers family”. He concluded his message by making clear that, despite leaving, his connection with Orlando Pirates would remain.

“Once a Buccaneer always a Buccaneer.”