Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen has made a candid admission about inheriting Thembinkosi Lorch’s famous No.3 jersey at the Soweto giants.
Van Rooyen joined Pirates from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the 2024/25 PSL season. Since his arrival, the right-back has made 12 appearances across all competitions.
The No. 3 jersey became available after former Pirates talisman Thembinkosi Lorch’s shock move to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2024.
‘Nyoso’ parted ways with Pirates in the middle of last season in January 2024 and joined rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, where he went on to win his first league title.
The talented full-back has admitted that the weight of history behind the No.3 jersey was initially daunting. The jersey, previously worn by Lorch, is steeped in tradition at Pirates.
Lorch made a significant impact during his time at the club, racking up 158 appearances, 34 goals, and 30 assists. He played a pivotal role in securing five titles, including four MTN8 trophies and one Nedbank Cup. Lorch’s crowning achievement came in the 2018/19 season when he was named both PSL Footballer of the Season and Absa Premiership Player’s Player of the Season.
DEANO VAN ROOYEN ADMITS HE FELT THE PRESSURE OF LORCH’S JERSEY
However, van Rooyen has since adapted to the pressure and is now embracing the No.3 jersey. The 28-year-old has quickly endeared himself to the Pirates faithful, who have affectionately nicknamed him “Umjida 3.
“When I came here [to Pirates], there were only two numbers available, number 77 and number three. Then the coach [Jose Riveiro] asked me, ‘What number do you want to take?’ and I said 77,” Rooyen told PiratesTV on BucsCamp.
“He [Riveiro] said, take number three, then I said, ‘No, because of the history of the jersey, I think it’s going to be too big for me’. But at that moment I realised to myself that I can fulfill this jersey. It was a bit heavy, but when I got used to it, I felt like now I can do the job in this jersey, the number three jersey.
“Obviously, the fans were happy [calling me] Umjita 3. For me, it was something like the supporters appreciate me wherever I am here at Orlando Pirates.”
RELATED STORY: Deano van Rooyen to Pirates: Done Deal, but can he play in the MTN8?
