The club confirmed the decision on Friday, bringing an end to the defender’s spell with the Buccaneers. Van Rooyen, who joined the Soweto giants in search of regular first-team football, was unable to establish himself as a consistent starter during his time at the club. Competition for places in the defensive unit remained high, and opportunities proved limited as the season progressed.
The mutual separation allows both the player and the club to move forward. For Pirates, the departure creates space in the squad as they continue to reshape their roster under the current technical team. The Buccaneers have been active in assessing their options across the backline and midfield, with several players competing for starting roles in the Betway Premiership and cup competitions.
Van Rooyen leaves with the experience of having trained and played within one of South Africa’s most demanding football environments. The right-back will now be free to explore new opportunities, whether within the PSL or further afield, as he looks to secure regular game time and rebuild momentum in his career.
Pirates supporters will recognise that squad turnover is a regular feature of modern professional football, particularly at a club with high expectations and a large pool of talent. The decision to part ways by mutual consent is often viewed as the cleanest route when a player’s involvement has diminished and both sides prefer a fresh start.
The club is expected to continue its evaluation of the squad in the coming weeks, with further adjustments possible as the campaign unfolds. Attention will now turn to how the defensive unit is organised for upcoming fixtures and whether additional reinforcements will be sought before the next transfer window.
Van Rooyen’s exit marks another change in a Pirates squad that has seen several movements in recent months. The Buccaneers will look to maintain stability and competitiveness as they pursue their objectives on the domestic front, while the player begins the next chapter of his career away from the Sea Robbers.