New Orlando Pirates star to improve competition – Lekgwathi

Orlando Pirates have a brand new right-back from Stellenbosch FC: Deano Van Rooyen. The club’s former captain Lucky Lekgwathi is loving the news.

ORLANDO PIRATES ANNOUNCE DEANO VAN ROOYEN

Following the injuries on Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu, Van Rooyen has arrived at the Sea Robbers to compete with Thabiso Monyane for the number two position.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club Is pleased to announce the signing of Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC. The 27-year-old has signed a three year contract with the Buccaneers, which includes an additional two-year option,” the club said.

“Van Rooyen who joined Stellenbosch FC as a teenager, made his senior debut in 2016 featuring as a substitute at 19 years old. He would go on to help the Maroons gain promotion to the Premiership three years later.

“He went to become a prominent figure for the club, averaging an impressive 27 league matches per season (since 2019). 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,” Orlando Pirates concluded.

LUCKY LEKGWATHI ON RIGHT BACK POSITION

“If there was a season where Pirates really needed depth in the squad is this season. Remember there will be injuries and suspensions as well, so I really don’t see why one between Monyane and Shandu should leave,” Lekgwathi said via Sowetan.

“It’s good to have healthy competition. Monyane and Shandu will keep Lebisto and van Rooyen on their toes. Going back to our times, at some point we didn’t have a left-back and I was asked to play there…we don’t need that now…we need players to play at their natural positions.

“There was a time where Makaringe played at right-back because we lacked depth and we didn’t do well, so we must not get rid of any player now,” the Orlando Pirates legend concluded.