The former Stellenbosh FC captain signed for Sundowns shortly before the transfer window closed in September. He was brought in as cover for Khuliso Mudau, who picked up a long-term injury in August.
Van Rooyen left the Buccaneers after losing his place to Kamogelo Sebelebele.
CARDOSO EXPLAINS WHY VAN ROOYEN IS NOT PLAYING AT SUNDOWNS
However, the move has not gone according to plan so far. Van Rooyen has yet to play an official match for the Brazilians, despite arriving at Chloorkop looking for a fresh start.
His situation is not completely new. The defender had struggled for opportunities at Orlando Pirates following the arrival of Abdeslam Ouaddou and eventually submitted a clearance request.
A move away from the Buccaneers was expected to give him a chance to get his career back on track, but he has now found himself in another difficult position.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has previously spoken about the defender’s situation.
The Portuguese coach explained that Van Rooyen arrived without having completed a proper pre-season, which has affected the time needed to get him ready for competitive football.
“Deano is player that, when he came to us, he was with a big pause in terms of preparations,” the Portuguese mentor recently explained.
Cardoso also made it clear that the club does not want to rush players into matches when they are not ready.
“We understand that there are always moments of players and we always look to create conditions so that when we expose them to competition, we don’t give them an environment where they cannot excel or show good things. It’s our way of thinking about the players.”
He continued by explaining why the club prefers to prepare players properly before giving them opportunities.
KA BO YELLOW HAVE OTHER OPTIONS
Van Rooyen’s situation is also affected by the number of players competing for the right-back position. Zuko Mdunyelwa is another option, while Thabang Matuludi has made a good start since arriving at the club.
“Obviously, as you may imagine, the competition in that position is quite high. Not only him, but there is Zuko [Mdunyelwa]. Thabang arrived and settled well quickly in the team. That obviously we didn’t know things were going to be when we brought one and the other.”
Cardoso also admitted that Matuludi settled into the team quicker than expected.
“Of course, Thabang picked the pace quickly, just the moment, we never know the next moment how it will be,” said Cardoso.
Van Rooyen will now have to work his way into the coach’s plans if he wants to get an opportunity.
There is also the matter of Mudau’s return. The Bafana Bafana defender is in the final stages of his rehabilitation after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in August.
His comeback will give Cardoso another experienced option at right-back. For Van Rooyen, the priority is to get fully fit and show that he can compete for a place in the Sundowns team.
