Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou bids emotional farewell to Deano van Rooyen

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has paid tribute to Deano van Rooyen after the defender’s unexpected departure from the Soweto club.

Pirates confirmed last week that Van Rooyen had left after two years with the Buccaneers. The 28-year-old right-back joined the club in 2024 from Stellenbosch FC, where he had established himself during a successful spell with his hometown side.

He has already been linked with a possible return to Stellenbosch FC, with the move potentially offering him the opportunity to secure more regular first-team football.

Van Rooyen’s exit came after he slipped behind Kamogelo Sebelebele in the right-back pecking order at Pirates. The defender is now seeking a new club where he can play more consistently.

Speaking after Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final clash with Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Saturday, Ouaddou praised Van Rooyen’s contribution both on and off the pitch.

“Deano was a fantastic player as a sportsperson and as a human (being). He gave a lot to the club, he won a lot of trophies, and he gave joy to the fans, he gave joy to the club as well,” said Ouaddou.

The Orlando Pirates manager accepted that player movement was part of football, while expressing his appreciation for the time he had spent working with the defender.

“I think it’s part of life for the club to have some movements. So, the club and him, I think they found a way to continue his career in another club. I was very proud to work with him, and I just want to wish him all the best in his next project,” the lanky tactician added.

Van Rooyen’s departure follows the exit of another player in the same position, with Thabiso Lebitso also having moved to Stellenbosch FC.

That leaves Pirates with Sebelebele and Gamphani Lungu as the available right-back options while the club continues its campaign across multiple competitions.

Van Rooyen arrived at Orlando Pirates after making his name with Stellenbosch FC and spent two seasons with the Soweto giants. During that time, he helped the club win trophies and became part of a squad competing on several fronts.

His reduced role in the team ultimately influenced the decision for him and the club to go their separate ways. Ouaddou’s comments underline the respect in which the defender remains held at Pirates, despite his playing opportunities becoming limited.

The possibility of Van Rooyen returning to the Winelands-based club would reunite him with Stellenbosch FC, where he previously enjoyed a productive period before joining the Buccaneers in 2024.