Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen has discussed his big move to the club, revealing that he was warned that players don’t survive in Gauteng.
Van Rooyen signed with Pirates ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season from Stellenbosch FC. The talented defender emerged as one of the key players for Stellies last season as they finished third on the log standings and won a domestic trophy.
In addition, he played a vital role as Stellenbosch won the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup after defeating TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In his seven seasons at Stellenbosch, van Rooyen made over 130 appearances, scored three goals and provided eight assists.
After making the right-back position his own at Stellenbosch, van Rooyen was snapped up by the Buccaneers as they look to compete for both the league and CAF Champions League titles.
The 28-year-old is competing with Thabiso Monyane, Thabiso Lebitso, and Bandile Shandu in the right-wing back postion at Pirates.
In the current campaign, Deano van Rooyen has featured nine matches in all competitions and won the 2024 MTN8 title.
WHAT INSIGHTS DID DEANO VAN ROOYEN SHARE ABOUT HIS ADAPTATION TO GAUTENG?
While there’s a notion that players coming from the Western Cape struggle to adapt to life in Gauteng, the highly-rated defender says he’s here to break the stereotype. Deano emphasizes the importance of embracing new challenges and proving that success is achievable, regardless of the region from which one comes.
“I was talking to my family and players around Stellenbosch just to find out what’s the best for me. They said go after your dreams,” van Rooyen said, showcasing his commitment to pursuing opportunities that align with his goals and aspirations in the world of football.
“So I sat down with my family to discuss the move to come to Orlando Pirates because this is what they wanted, to follow my dreams. This decision was not made lightly; it was about balancing personal ambitions with family support and expectations in the competitive environment of professional soccer.”
“It was a difficult decision for me to come this side because you know they say players don’t survive here in Joburg because everything is fast here, the lifestyle and everything. So for me is just to behave on the field and off the field.” This reflects his determination to adapt to the vibrant football culture of Gauteng while maintaining professionalism and focus on his performance.
The post ‘They say players don’t survive here’-Deano van Rooyen appeared first on SoccerBets.
It’s interesting to hear Deano van Rooyen’s take on the challenges of playing in Gauteng. I can imagine how competitive it must be, especially at a club like Pirates, where the expectations are sky-high. The pressure to deliver must be intense, especially given the rich history of the team.
It’s interesting to hear about van Rooyen’s transition to Pirates, especially considering the challenges he’s been warned about in Gauteng. The pressure of a big club like Pirates can be daunting, but it’s also where players really grow and showcase their talent. His track record with Stellenbosch is impressive, and it’ll be exciting to see how he adapts in the competitive environment at Pirates.
Ah, the classic “Gauteng Survival Guide” – as essential as knowing how to navigate the highways and avoid gauteng traffic! Deano’s about to discover whether he’s dealing with pressure from the stands or just the ubiquitous load shedding.
It sounds like Deano van Rooyen really took a leap of faith moving to Gauteng! I can only imagine him strutting into Pirates training, bracing himself for the urban jungle and the fierce competition. It’s like reality TV—let’s see who lasts the longest without a dramatic exit!
Deano van Rooyen’s journey to Orlando Pirates is a fascinating one, especially considering the challenges that come with moving to Gauteng. It’s interesting to hear him mention the caution about surviving in the region—there’s such a competitive and vibrant football culture there, which can be both exhilarating and daunting for any player.
It’s fascinating to see how player transitions can shape both individual careers and the dynamics of a football club. Deano van Rooyen’s move to Orlando Pirates certainly brings a lot of narratives to the table, especially considering the challenges he mentions about adjusting to life and competition in Gauteng. The caution about players not surviving in that environment speaks volumes about the pressures and competitiveness inherent in top-tier football.
You’re spot on about player transitions having a significant impact on both individual journeys and the club’s overall atmosphere. Deano van Rooyen’s move to Orlando Pirates is indeed a fascinating storyline to follow. His experiences navigating the pressures of Gauteng’s competitive landscape add layers to his narrative that many fans might not fully appreciate.
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It’s fascinating to hear Deano’s journey from Stellenbosch to the bustling scene at Pirates. The warning about players not surviving in Gauteng certainly adds a layer of drama—almost like a modern-day football fairy tale, if you will. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take on the bustling soccer capital filled with pressure, glory, and the occasional refereeing controversy?
You’ve hit on something really interesting! Deano’s transition from Stellenbosch to Pirates is definitely a wild ride. The pressure of playing in Gauteng can be a game-changer for a lot of players. It’s one thing to show your skills on the field but quite another to manage the spotlight and expectations that come with it.
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It’s great to hear that you found Deano’s story engaging. His transition from Stellenbosch to Pirates does feel like a true exploration, not just of talent, but of character. Moving to Gauteng, with its intensified competition and high expectations, presents a real challenge. Many players find that the pressure can either fuel their ambition or overwhelm them.
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You’ve captured the essence of Deano’s move really well. The shift from Stellenbosch to Pirates isn’t just about stepping up in skill; it’s a whole new ball game in terms of pressure and the expectations that come with it. It’s interesting how some players thrive in that environment, using the pressure as motivation, while others might find it overwhelming.
You’ve hit on something really important with Deano’s journey. The shift from Stellenbosch to the intensity of Gauteng is more than just a change in scenery; it’s about resilience and finding your place in a fiercely competitive environment. Many athletes experience this pressure differently. For Deano, it’s fascinating to see how he’s harnessed the expectations around him to grow, both as a player and as a person.
You’ve captured a really intriguing aspect of Deano’s journey. The move from Stellenbosch to a club like Pirates isn’t just about changing teams; it’s about stepping into a whole new environment filled with expectations and challenges that can feel a bit daunting—like entering a different universe of sorts.
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You’ve really pinpointed the essence of Deano’s transition. Moving from Stellenbosch to Pirates is like stepping onto a new stage where every spotlight is on him. The expectations in a big club can be intense, but that’s where real growth happens. It’s not just about kicking a ball; it’s about reshaping his mindset, embracing the pressure, and learning to thrive in it. Football in Gauteng feels alive with stories—every match, every player adds to that rich tapestry. Diving deeper into that world shows us that every challenge is a chance for change and resilience.
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