Orlando Pirates part ways with Deano van Rooyen

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the surprise exit of defender Deano van Rooyen, ending his stay in Soweto after just one season.

The club announced on Friday that the 28-year-old full-back is leaving by mutual consent, drawing a line under a move that had promised stability on the right side of their defence.

In a statement, Pirates explained that the decision followed “open conversations” about Van Rooyen’s future and his desire to pursue a new chapter in his career. Both parties agreed the timing was right.

Van Rooyen arrived at the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch FC ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, carrying a reputation as one of the Betway Premiership’s most reliable full-backs. He slotted in quickly, trusted either from the start or as a substitute, and the club noted he “delivered exactly what was asked of him.”

Across all competitions, he clocked up more than 50 appearances, earning a quiet respect inside the camp as a model professional rather than a headline-grabber.

Now he moves on, with Pirates left to find a new answer at full-back while Van Rooyen searches for the next badge on his shirt.