Stellenbosch have sold their skipper Deano van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates with leading striker Iqraam Rayners expected to move to champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the next two days.
Van Rooyen, who was dropped from the line-up for the MTN8 quarterfinal win over TS Galaxy last weekend because of the imminent move, signed a three-year deal, with an option for two more, as Pirates seek further solutions to their trouble right back position.
Van Rooyen departs after eight years with the club, having made his professional debut for Stellenbosch as a 19-year-old in 2016 when he featured in the club’s first-ever match against Mthatha Bucks in the National First Division.
He is the club’s record appearance holder and was co-captain last December when they won the Carling Knockout.
We've come a long way together 🫶
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 12, 2024
Best of luck in the next chapter of your career, @Van_Deano 👊
“It has been a privilege to watch Deano grow over the last eight years from a young and hopeful talent into a household name in Stellenbosch,” Stellenbosch chief executive officer Rob Benadie said in a statement.
“To see a local player break through the ranks and become a respected leader on the pitch and in our community has been a source of great pride for all associated with the club.
“While we are sad to see him leave, we are immensely grateful for his contributions and proud of all he has achieved and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours,” he added.
Pirates welcoming statement was brief but included: “Die Hond as he is affectionately known, a name that underpins his never say die spirit, has served his former club with flying colours – registering over 150 appearances in all competitions.”
☠️ Player Announcement 📢
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 12, 2024
Orlando Pirates Football Club Is pleased to announce the signing of @van_deano from @StellenboschFC on a 3 year contract ,Welcome to Orlando Pirates Deano! Full
💻 Full Details 👉🏾 https://t.co/nU6qXGJu8i
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OnceAlways#OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/YcRIWfPY8u
Rayners, who is Stellenbosch club goal scorer, is due to join Sundowns, the champions’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi claimed on Sunday.
“As for Iqraam, we are happy to have him, he will add something to the club, I’m looking at him more for the Champions League than for the PSL,” he said after Sundowns’ narrow extra-time win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 at Atteridgeville on Sunday.
“In as much as he will help us in the PSL, I think in the Champions League he will really give us more.”
The loss of Rayners and Van Rooyen comes on the eve of Stellenbosch’s debut in African club competition.
They are due to meet Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in their first round,first leg match in Durban on Saturday.