After Deano Van Rooyen was listed as an Orlando Pirates player in the preliminary COSAFA squad, iDiski Times has been told it’s just a mistake by SAFA.
Van Rooyen, 27, was named in the 50-man preliminary squad that was announced by Helman Mkhalele on Friday.
While Stellenbosch FC had five players in the selection, club captain Van Rooyen was listed as a Pirates player, sending Buccaneers fans into a frenzy, with the right-back also having been linked to the club.
However, sources close to Stellenbosch have told this publication it’s a mistake by SAFA and Van Rooyen is still at the club.
SAFA have since released an update squad, with Van Rooyen listed as a Stellies player.
A similar situation happened last season when Bathusi Aubaas, then still at TS Galaxy, was listed as an Orlando Pirates player in a SAFA squad.
The situation was immediately dismissed by Tim Sukazi, with the player eventually joining Mamelodi Sundowns.
Van Rooyen, meanwhile, has been one of the most consistent performers at Stellenbosch, racking up 35 appearances in 2023/24.
The Stellies-born right-back helped Steve Barker’s side lift their first ever trophy in the Carling Knockout Cup, while also leading them to qualify for CAF football for the first time ever after finishing third in the DStv Premiership.
Overall, Van Rooyen has made 160 appearances for the Cape-Winelands side, more than any other player.
