Steve Barker reveals what keeps van Rooyen motivated.

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has revealed what motivates the club’s record-breaker, Deano van Rooyen. 

Van Rooyen became Stellies’ all-time most capped player when they played out a 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash on Sunday, 5 March 2023. 

Now, the 26-year-old defender boasts a record-breaking 115 appearances for the Cape club, surpassing his former teammate Rafiq de Goede, who recently joined Maritzburg United in the January transfer window. 

The full-back made his debut for Stellenbosch back in August 2016 at the age of 19.  

After the Sundowns game, Barker paid tribute to his star player. He further revealed what keeps him motivated week in and week out.

DEANO VAN ROOYEN HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT 

“He’s had a tough 18 months to two years. The loss of his family members; both his parents, the late Oshwin [Andries] was his cousin, and recently he lost his grandmother as well,” said Barker, as quoted by the club’s media department. 

“He looks after his family and siblings. So, for him to continue to perform week in and week out the way he does [is impressive]. 

“And the effort that he gives is just a credit to him and the human being that he is. Deano is just fantastic for this football club.”

Barker further stated that he’s delighted for Van Rooyen to have claimed the record. The coach believes that the defender deserves every accolade that he gets.

STEVE BARKER RECALLS HOW VAN ROOYEN USED TO ARRIVE AT TRAINING AS A YOUNG KID 

“When I arrived at Stellenbosch, right at the beginning when [former coach] Sammy Troughton was still here, Deano and former Stellenbosch winger Ashley Du Preez would come to training from school as young kids,” he recalled. 

“To see him and others fulfil their potential and become idols in their communities, where people look up to them as upstanding members of the community now, is something that I am pleased for.”

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