Recently retired PSL defender Marc van Heerden has heaped praise on Orlando Pirates’ latest acquisition, predicting a bright future for the player in the national team – Bafana Bafana.
Pirates have been one of the most active teams in the current transfer market as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The Soweto giants have significantly strengthened their squad with a number of high-profile signings. Local talent has been a focus with the acquisitions of Selaelo Rasebotja, Thuso Moleleki, and Deano van Rooyen. The club has also cast its net wider, bringing in Angolan attacker Gilberto from Petro Luanda.
Former Bafana Bafana international Van Heerden is confident that his former Stellenbosch FC teammate, Deano van Rooyen, can make a significant impact at Pirates and subsequently earn a Bafana Bafana call-up.
Van Rooyen recently joined the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch, where he shared the dressing room with Van Heerden from 2019 to 2022. The experienced defender believes that Van Rooyen has the potential to excel at the higher level.
On Saturday, Van Heerden announced his retirement from professional football, ending a two-decade-long career. During his playing days, the 36-year-old played for teams like the University of Pretoria, AmaZulu FC, Chippa United, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City FC. The defender also had the honour of presenting Bafana during his prime.
VAN HEERDEN BACKS PIRATES NEWCOMER FOR BAFANA
The 27-year-old Van Rooyen is yet to get a Bafana call-up. But Van Heerden believes a move to Pirates will increase the defender’s chances of representing the national team soon.
“He’s got it to go play for Pirates, he’s got a shout for playing in the national team as well,” van Heerden told FARPost.
“If he’s given his fair chance, he can definitely succeed. He’s quiet, humble and works hard, I think he’s got it above his shoulders.
“When I got to Stellenbosch, Deano van Rooyen was very young. He was still learning the ropes and had only played NFD football. The boy from day one could be seen that he has the drive, the passion, and the willingness to succeed.”
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