Orlando Pirates right-back Deano van Rooyen is hoping that his move to the Soweto team will open up the door for a national team call-up. Van Rooyen left Stellenbosch to join the Buccaneers and has been a key member of Jose River’s team since he arrived. As he continues to shine with his new club, the 28-year-old admitted that he has always been a Pirates supporter so it was not hard to join the team when the chance came. “Pirates have always been my team,” Van Rooyen told Soccer Laduma. “I think I started supporting Pirates when I was eight or nine years old. So, it was not a hard decision for me to make to join them when the chance came through. “Yes, I enjoyed my life at Stellenbosch as that was home to me and the team was like a family to me, but I have to realise my dream of playing for a team that I have always supported. It is very hard for such a dream to come true. I am happy mine did.” Van Rooyen scored his first goal for the Sea Robbers in their 8-1 thrashing of Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, he full-back also registered an assist in the match. His Rooyen’s ambitions extend beyond club football, as he hopes his Pirates move will boost his prospects of representing South Africa. “The competition at Pirates is very good and that is what will help me improve my game and fight for a place in the national team,” he added. “It is every player’s dream to represent their country and my move to Johannesburg and Pirates will also help me with that dream.”