Sligo Rovers League of Ireland run-in has suffered a setback with confirmation from the club on Sunday that defender Nando Pijnaker is returning to New Zealand to continue his football there.
Pijnaker has been a key presence in Rovers surge to third place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division in recent months – but he didn’t feature in the two most recent league fixtures.
It’s understood the New Zealand international is joining Auckland FC, the club former Rovers striker Max Mata signed for earlier this season.
Pijnaker explained his decision to go to Ocean FM Sport’s Austin O’Callaghan.
Sligo Rovers manager John Russell told sligorovers.com on Sunday: “We had an agreement with Nando that if the right move came for him, we would not stand in his way.
“He has an opportunity now to play at a club closer to where he is from and I and the club have kept our word in regard to that.
“Nando has been a big player for us since joining the club. His game has developed over the seasons he’s been here and that’s a testament to him and the staff that have worked with him.”
Pijnaker injured ribs in the early part of this season, following an accidental collision with goalkeeper Ed McGinty.
The injury kept him out of action for several weeks – but when he returned, his influence at the heart of the Sligo Rovers defence was a key factor in Rovers surge up the league table.
In all, the Kiwi made 84 appeaerances for Rovers during his time at the Showgrounds.
