The reason why Orlando Pirates have been playing Deano Van Rooyen in the right-back position ahead of the MTN8 final, a game he is not eligible to take part in, has been revealed.
It was, however, no surprise seeing Van Rooyen start in the opening Betway Premiership encounter against Chippa United, after he was cup-tied for the MTN8.
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The 27-year-old and Pirates are ruing the silliest five minutes the speedy wingback played this season, which happened to be his last for Stellenbosch, in the 3-1 MTN8 quarter-final win over TS Galaxy, where he was introduced off the bench with Stellies already leading 3-1.
Therefore, it meant he was cup-tied after he was sold to the Soweto giants just over a week later.
With the cup final approaching, Bucs were expected to prepare for the clash against Steve Barker's troops, in the league, with a different right-back, since Van Rooyen will not be eligible.
However, 'DVR' started in league games at right-back, against Polokwane City, in a 3-0 victory, and narrow 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC this past Sunday.
Pirates were strategic in how they handled the issue, as Thabiso Monyane, the only other right-back available, was already sitting on three yellow cards, all picked up in the MTN8, heading into the league matches.
He missed the game against Chippa and only resurfaced, on the bench, against Rise and Shine and with the side 3-0 up, he picked up, seemingly deliberately, a silly yellow card, without playing a minute.
This means he got to be suspended, due to accumulation of yellow cards, for the clash against the Natal Rich Boyz.
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As a result, the Pirates academy graduate's yellow card offences have been washed out and he is now available for the MTN8 final against Stellies.
The other right-backs at the club, in Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu, are out injured.
Meanwhile, Paseka Mako has proven capable of playing there when the need arises.