Ouaddou confirms Van Rooyen sidelined for Sundowns clash

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that key defender Deano Van Rooyen will miss the upcoming MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns due to injury.

The revelation comes ahead of the highly anticipated second-leg match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where the two giants of South African football will compete for a spot in the final.

Van Rooyen, a talented right-back, sustained the injury during Pirates’ recent 1-0 league victory over his former club, Stellenbosch FC, in the Betway Premiership. He was forced to leave the match in the first half on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.

While the full extent of the injury is not yet known, Ouaddou stated, “What I can tell you is that he will not be available [to face Sundowns].” The coach added that the medical department is still assessing the injury.

“I have an idea [of the injury], but we don’t have definitive feedback from the medical department,” Ouaddou added. But I don’t have the full report on what he has because he still has to pass some exams so that we can see the extent of his injury.”

With Van Rooyen out, Ouaddou will have to find a suitable replacement for the crucial encounter. The coach has several options for the right wing-back position, including new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele, who scored the winning goal against Stellenbosch, as well as Tshepho Mashiloane, Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Lebitso, and Siyabonga Ndlozi.

As the defending MTN8 champions, Pirates are eager to secure their fourth consecutive title. The first leg concluded with a 1-1 draw, giving Sundowns a crucial away goal advantage heading into this weekend’s second-leg match.

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🏆#MTN8 Semi-Final 2nd Leg
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📅 Saturday,23 August 2025
🏟️ Lucas Moripe Stadium
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⏲️ 15H00
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— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 22, 2025