Deano van Rooyen brings quality, experience, and competitiveness – Jose Riveiro

Van Rooyen, who spent over eight seasons at Stellies, playing more than 160 matches in top-flight football, was confirmed to have joined Pirates two days after SABC Sport had broken the story of his impending move to the Buccaneers.

The 27-year-old comes to Pirates highly rated, and Riveiro says the right-back’s competitive and big temperament nature works well for them.

"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," Riveiro said.

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It was important for Pirates to seal this deal before the CAF Inter-club competitions get underway this coming weekend, as they will be busy in the CAF Champions League and Stellies make their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Had Van Rooyen taken part in Stellies’ opening game against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, it would’ve meant that he’s cup-tied for Pirates in the CAFCL.

Speaking to SABC Sport just before training this morning at Rand Stadium, Riveiro expects Van Rooyen to add some quality to the team.

"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 added.

Van Rooyen, who has signed a three-year deal with a two-year option with Pirates, is expected to spot jersey no.30 in the CAFCL this season for Pirates as Patrick Maswanganyi takes over the popular jersey no.10.