Stellenbosch FC captain Deano van Rooyen is now poised for a move to Orlando Pirates after the two clubs successfully negotiated a deal.

This comes after the Buccaneers submitted a revised offer after their initial bid was rejected.

The 27-year-old right-back is now set to move to Gauteng and join The Buccaneers, as first reported by SABC Sport, pending a medical and official announcements from both clubs.

Van Rooyen’s departure from Stellenbosch comes after eight years with the club, during which he expressed a desire to seek new challenges.

 PIRATES IDENTIFY VAN ROOYEN AS RIGHT-BACK SOLUTION

Van Rooyen, a nominee for the 2023/24 DStv Premiership Defender of the Season, has emerged as a sought-after talent in South African football. His performances have garnered widespread interest, but Stellenbosch FC were determined to retain their leader, having recently offered him a contract extension. Nevertheless, the lure of Pirates’ offer proved too tempting to resist.

With Van Rooyen’s imminent arrival, Pirates are strengthening their right-back options ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign, seeking competition for Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso, while Bandile Shandu continues his recovery from injury.

Van Rooyen, with over 150 appearances for Stellenbosch, has developed into a key player for the club, starting his career as a winger before transitioning into an attacking right-back. He is one of the best-attacking fullbacks in the Betway Premiership despite missing out on a national team call-up.

While Pirates have already secured several new signings, including Thalante Mbatha, Selaelo Rasebotja, Gilberto, and Thuso Moleleki, the Soweto giants deemed it essential to reinforce their squad further by signing Van Rooyen.

Stellenbosch have already identified Van Rooyen’s replacement in Polokwane City FC’s Thabang Matuludi, but their advances have been rebuffed by the Limpopo-based club.

The Cape Winelands outfit has been chasing Matuludi for several months, even making an approach during their Carling Cup encounter in Polokwane earlier this year. However, Matuludi remains a prized asset for Polokwane City, with even Kaizer Chiefs failing to secure his services.

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