Latest news with #DeanovanRooyen
TimesLIVE
29-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Pirates youngsters get Bafana call as Broos names new faces in squad
Another 20-year-old Buccaneer, midfielder Simphiwe Selepe, who impressed being introduced to the first team late in the recently-concluded season, is also included, as is Deano van Rooyen, who has been in form at right-back for Pirates. Bucs' 20-year old attacker Relebohile Mofokeng, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and midfielder Thalente Mbatha are included among some more regular recent national performers. Among other new faces are Sekhukhune United keeper Renaldo Leaner and Samukelo Kabini, a 21-year-old left-back on the books of Molde FK in Norway. More interesting inclusions are of TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane, Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule, Stellenbosch FC attacker Ashley Cupido, AmaZulu attacker Tshepang Moremi and Richards Bay forward Yanela Mbuthuma. There are no players from eight-time successive Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The Brazilians conclude their first Caf Champions League final since winning the competition in 2016 with Sunday's second leg against Pyramids FC in Cairo (the first leg at Loftus ended 1-1) then will need some time off before start to prepare for the Club World Cup in the US in June and July.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rising stars and proven performers: New signings shine bright in debut seasons
Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns continued to set the benchmark in the Betway Premiership with yet another dominant campaign. Orlando Pirates emerged as their strongest challengers, but even their title push eventually faded under the relentless pressure of the champions. As next season approaches, the task of dethroning them remains a massive one — and clubs looking to break their grip on the title may need to dig deep into their pockets. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the most impressive signings from the 2024/25 season. Iqraam Rayners The former Stellies striker narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot by two goals, edged by his teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who ended the season with 16 goals. Joining a side that had the football world at its feet — seven consecutive league titles and ambitions stretching across the continent and beyond — Rayners had to prove himself in a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns outfit. His clinical finishing has added real value to a team chasing its second CAF Champions League crown. At 29, Rayners is enjoying a remarkable debut campaign for the Pretoria giants, having netted 21 goals across 43 matches in all competitions. He now stands on the brink of a league and Champions League double — a potential fairytale first season. UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix Jayden Adams The gifted attacking midfielder drew plenty of attention before choosing to join the Brazilians during the January transfer window. It didn't take long for Adams to display his class and big-match temperament. In less than six months, he has slotted into the Sundowns set-up seamlessly and become a vital cog. Adams has made 17 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. In a team brimming with midfield options, his growing importance bodes well for both the present and the seasons ahead. Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates players (from left) Makhehleni Makhaula, Deano van Rooyen and Relebohile Mofokeng are a big part of the history-chasing side. | ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Deano van Rooyen Van Rooyen was a defensive stalwart for the Buccaneers, anchoring a backline that played a crucial role in their respectable season — one that yielded MTN8 success and a near miss in the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs (2–1). Since his move from Stellies, the 28-year-old has thrived, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, earning him a place in Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos' preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendlies. A model of consistency with minimal errors, Van Rooyen also showed attacking prowess and slotted perfectly into an Orlando Pirates side known for its fluid, goal-rich football. Orlando Pirates will quickly have to put the disappointment of their Caf Champions League semi-final loss behind them ahead of a big week of domestic football that can still have a massive impact on Jose Riveiro's farewell season with the club. They need that 'we go again' mentality, because there is still a lot to play for this season. Image: AFP Thalente Mbatha Mbatha had already been integrated into the Buccaneers' set-up before his move from SuperSport United became permanent. This season, he proved to be one of José Riveiro's most trusted soldiers, forming a solid midfield partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula. With 23 league appearances under his belt, Mbatha's relentless work rate and ability to finish with aplomb — from both close range and distance — made him an indispensable piece in Pirates' midfield engine. ORLANDO Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues to receive rave reviews after his domestic and continental exploits. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX
