Orlando Pirates have made an official approach for Stellenbosch FC captain Deano van Rooyen ahead of the new season.
Van Rooyen, 27, has established himself as one of the leading talents in the South African top flight, was nominated for 2023/24 DStv Premiership Defender of the Season and has attracted widespread interest in his services.
But Pirates have now made a bid for his services to Stellenbosch, who are also keen to retain him, having recently tabled a contract extension offer.
However, iDiski Times understands the club are resigned to losing their influential leader, who’s spent his entire professional club career with the Cape Winelands outfit.
Pirates are seeking to bolster their right-back options with the club going into the CAF Champions League this season, and want extra competition for Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso, while Bandile Shandu remains on the road to recovery.
With over 150 games for the club, Van Rooyen, who started his career as a winger, has developed into one of the pillars of the squad as an attacking right-back.
Should Pirates reach an agreement with Stellenbosch and personal terms are finalised, Van Rooyen will become their latest signing of the window after the likes of Thalante Mbatha, Selaelo Rasebotja, Gilberto and Thuso Moleleki.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
