Orlando Pirates right-back Deano van Rooyen could leave the club before the transfer window closes after being omitted from each of the side’s opening three Betway Premiership matchday squads.
The 29-year-old has not featured for The Buccaneers this season, missing the fixtures against Milford FC, AmaZulu and Chippa United.
Reports from SoccerBeat on Thursday say Van Rooyen may depart in the coming weeks as Orlando Pirates continue to reassess their options at right-back. His absence from the squad at the start of the campaign has increased speculation that he could be among the players allowed to leave before the transfer window shuts.
Van Rooyen’s position at the club had already come under scrutiny following a difficult 2024-25 campaign. The former Stellenbosch FC captain made only 10 league appearances for The Buccaneers last season, and he has now failed to make the matchday squad for the opening fixtures of the new term.
The situation could become more complicated if Orlando Pirates complete a move for Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi. The defender has been linked with a transfer to the Soweto club and has emerged as a potential target as Pirates consider further changes at right-back.
Matuludi’s possible arrival would increase competition for places in the position and could further raise questions about Van Rooyen’s role within the squad. Pirates have already made changes in the area, with Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu both leaving the club.
Earlier reports indicated that Van Rooyen could remain with Orlando Pirates and compete for his place, despite the club’s reported interest in Matuludi. However, his continued exclusion from the opening matchday squads has left his immediate future unresolved.
There has been no confirmed announcement that Van Rooyen will leave, but his lack of involvement has made him one of the players to watch as the transfer window approaches its deadline. The club’s decision over whether to retain him, or strengthen further with Matuludi, is likely to determine the next stage of the defender’s career at Orlando Pirates.
Van Rooyen joined Orlando Pirates after serving as captain of Stellenbosch FC, but his limited league involvement last season and his absence during the opening weeks of the current campaign have created growing uncertainty around his status.
For now, the right-back remains an Orlando Pirates player, although reports suggest his future could be decided before the transfer window closes.
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