Mamelodi Sundowns complete free-transfer signing of former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen

Mamelodi Sundowns have strengthened their defence by completing the signing of former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old has joined the Brazilians on a multi-year contract after becoming a free agent last week. His arrival follows a mutual agreement with Orlando Pirates to terminate his contract with the Buccaneers.

Sundowns confirmed the move on social media, saying: “Mamelodi Sundowns are delighted to announce the signing of Deano van Rooyen, who joins us on a multi-year deal.”

Van Rooyen is expected to provide additional defensive cover for Sundowns following the long-term injury suffered by Khuliso Mudau. His signing gives the club another experienced option in defence as they continue to add to their squad during the transfer window.

The former Stellenbosch player arrives at Sundowns after spells with both Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates. He now becomes the latest addition to the squad as the club strengthen their options across the team.

Van Rooyen’s move was completed after his contract with Orlando Pirates was ended by mutual agreement, allowing him to join Sundowns without a transfer fee. That made him available to complete a move soon after leaving the Buccaneers.

Sundowns described the deal as a multi-year arrangement, although the club did not disclose the specific length of the contract.

His transfer also continues a busy period of recruitment for the Brazilians. The club’s latest arrivals include Antonio van Wyk, Cassius Mailula, Siyanda Ndlovu and Tsiki Ntsabeleng, whose loan move was made permanent.

Van Rooyen becomes the fourth player to join Sundowns in the transfer window after Antonio van Wyk, Cassius Mailula, Siyanda Ndlovu and Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who made his loan move permanent.

The move was announced under the headline news that Sundowns had secured the former Orlando Pirates star, with the club confirming that the defender had signed on a free transfer.

It represents a direct response to the defensive setback caused by Mudau’s long-term injury and gives Sundowns greater depth in that area of the squad. Van Rooyen’s experience of South African football, including his time at Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates, will now be added to the options available to the Brazilians.

The announcement follows earlier comments linked to Sundowns defender Arendse under the reference: “READ |Arendse: It’s not what you expect from Sundowns”.