Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes that the newly signed right-back Deano van Rooyen will add value to the team given his experience with Stellenbosch FC.
The 27-year-old joined Pirates on a three-year contract with an option for an additional two years after spending eight years with Stellies where he made his professional debut and made a club record of 161 appearances across all competitions. He assisted the club in securing the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup, their first trophy in top-flight football.
Riveiro believes that the club signed van Rooyen at the peak of his career and his experience will be instrumental in Pirates’ 2024-25 campaign.
“I think he’s an experienced player in the league, in a fantastic and moment of his career, 27 (years old). [He’s] experienced, he knows how to compete for trophies already coming from doing an excellent job in Stellenbosch. So, he’s gonna add fantastic value in defence and attack and hopefully, we can see soon how capable he is,” said Riveiro to SABC Sport.
The Sea Robbers have bolstered their squad with several signings in preparation for the new season and the CAF Champions League.
“We are happy to welcome the new players because each and every who’s coming to this team has the capacity and has the qualities to be here, just wishing him all the best like everybody else. I’m sure that he’s gonna help us a lot this season,” the coach concluded.
Van Rooyen is expected to make his debut for the Soweto Giants in their clash against the Malagasy Pro League champions Disciples (CS-DFC) in the first round of the CAF Champions League qualifying match on Saturday, 17 August with kick-off set for 17:00.
Written by Siphesihle Soni