Mamelodi Sundowns sign former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen on a free transfer

Mamelodi Sundowns have signed former Orlando Pirates right-back Deano van Rooyen on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old ended his two-year spell with Pirates earlier in the transfer window after the player and club agreed to mutually part ways. He has now joined Sundowns, with the club announcing the deal on Sunday before their match against Golden Arrows.

Sundowns moved for Van Rooyen after first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau suffered a long-term Achilles injury. Their squad depth in the position was reduced further when back-up Mdunyelwa also sustained an injury.

The signing was confirmed by Sundowns, who presented Van Rooyen as their latest addition ahead of the meeting with Golden Arrows. The move brings the defender to a club whose ambitions, he said, matched his own.

“This is a club built on ambition and excellence. I’m here to work, to grow, to give everything,” he stated.

“My name is Deano Van Rooyen and I’m proud to be joining a club that never stops rising.”

Van Rooyen spent the previous two seasons at Orlando Pirates, making 51 appearances for the Buccaneers. During his time at Mayfair, he won five trophies.

His departure from Pirates was agreed by both parties earlier in the current transfer window, making him available to join Sundowns without a transfer fee. The defending options at the club had subsequently been affected by injuries to Mudau and Mdunyelwa, creating the need for further cover at right-back.

Sundowns completed the move before their clash with Golden Arrows, with Van Rooyen’s arrival announced on the same day that the two sides were due to meet. The timing of the announcement means he joins the Masandawana as they respond to the long-term absence of Mudau and the additional injury to Mdunyelwa.

The transfer also marks Van Rooyen’s next step after a spell in which he established himself at Orlando Pirates and collected five pieces of silverware. He now joins Sundowns with 51 appearances for the Buccaneers behind him and a stated desire to work, develop and contribute at his new club.

Sundowns described the move as the signing of the former Pirates full-back on a free transfer. Van Rooyen’s immediate arrival provides the club with another recognised option in the position after the injuries affecting Mudau and Mdunyelwa.