New Orlando Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen has sent a farewell message to his former club Stellenbosch FC after his move to the Buccaneers was confirmed.
Earlier on Monday, Pirates confirmed the signing of Van Rooyen on a three-year deal with a two-year option.
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Van Rooyen, 27, was one of the mainstay’s in Steve Barker’s squad and helped the club to lift their first ever trophy last season but his fine performances now saw him being snatched up by the Buccaneers, as Stellies lose another key player.
The former Stellies co-captain has now penned some emotional words to his old club.
“It has been a dream come true for me to play for Stellenbosch FC over the last eight years,” Van Rooyen told Stellies media team.
“Growing up in Stellenbosch, there was never a professional football club, so the moment the club was formed, it became my dream to become a Stellenbosch player.
“It was a huge privilege and honour for me to wear the maroon jersey and there are so many memories that stand out from my time at the club – making my debut, winning the NFD, and lifting the Carling Knockout.
“As a local, I am incredibly proud to have helped bring silverware to the club and it is a great feeling to know that young players from Stellenbosch can look at my journey and know that it is possible to chase those dreams.
“It’s not easy, there are a lot of obstacles, and it requires a lot of hard work to be successful, but it is possible if you have the belief.
“And then of course, being there to win the Carling Knockout is a memory that will live with me forever. It was incredibly special to lift the trophy as a local player and it’s something I will carry with me until the day I retire.”
He also shared some words with Maroon Armee’s club’s faithful.
“I also just want to say thank you to all of the supporters,” he continued. “I am incredibly grateful for the backing we received as a team and for the support I received personally.
“Stellenbosch will always be home, and it was a huge honour and privilege for me to get to play in front of the crowd at Danie Craven Stadium. I will cherish those memories and I know that I will carry their support with me on the next step of my journey.”
