The 29-year-old joined Bucs from Stellenbosch ahead of the 2024/25 season, making 51 appearances for the club, scoring once while providing one assist in an injury plagued stint with the Soweto giants.
He made just 14 appearances for Pirates during the 2025/26 treble winning campaign, with Kamogelo Sebelebele claiming the starting berth for the majority of the season.
“The decision follows open conversations between Deano and the Club, with both sides agreeing that the time is right for him to begin a new chapter in his career,” read part of the statement on the club website.
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The new development may come as a surprise to many, with the Buccaneers have already let go of wingback Bandile Shandu, who has since joined Durban City.
Van Rooyen is now a free agent and can join a new club immediately.