Deano van Rooyen honoured by Bafana Bafana call-up

Coach Hugo Broos has handed no less than 10 players their maiden call-ups, including the Pirates quartet of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Mohau Nkota, and van Rooyen. 

The 28-year-old played a massive role in the Buccaneers’ impressive season in 2024/25 since signing from Stellenbosch FC last August, and made 20 appearances, with 18 starts and two substitute appearances, and says all that hard work has now been rewarded.

“Yeah it’s an honour and a privilege to get selected for the Bafana squad. 

"For me personally, I've been working hard, and you never know when that chance will come. 

"I just need to be myself for the two games that lie ahead and give my best”, said van Rooyen.

READ: New African champion coy about Pyramids job

He also says the experience he and his Pirates teammates have gathered playing in the CAF Champions League will stand them in good stead in Bafana Bafana colours, and they’re determined to use that to ensure they win the two friendly internationals.

In the absence of the Mamelodi Sundowns contingent, who are preparing for the Club World Cup in the USA, the Betway Premiership runners-up are dominating the squad, with nine of their players called up this time around.

“Yeah we’ve had a good season with Orlando Pirates. Most of our players got a lot of experience in the CAF Champions League, which we’ve played in. For us it’s just about helping the country achieve it’s goals in these two games”, he said.

Van Rooyen will hope to impress in this international window, in order to keep his place for the World Cup qualifiers in September and October, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December.