What are Andre De Jong's goals with Orlando Pirates? The New Zealander answers all these questions! | OneFootball

Orlando Pirates striker answers all these questions

What are Andre De Jong's goals with Orlando Pirates? The New Zealander answers all these questions!

With the ink now dry on his contract, Orlando Pirates' newest midfield orchestrator, Andre de Jong, has broken his silence, setting his sights on the lofty ambitions that come with wearing the famous black and white.

The 29-year-old New Zealand international, who sealed his move from Stellenbosch FC last week, arrives with a clear understanding of the weight of expectation at the Soweto giants. "I think it’s a goal of everyone at the club to win the league this year, and it’s a great opportunity sitting on top of the log at the [2025 AFCON] break now," De Jong stated, acknowledging the club's prime position. "So, in these two weeks, we have really been pushing too hard."

He feels the urgency from the stands, a collective yearning for a return to the summit. "I think from the outside, there are a lot of expectations from the fans to break the [league] drought. So, hopefully, we can do it this season and really stamp our authority when we come back into the game."

For the former AmaZulu FC man, personal ambitions are seamlessly woven into the club's collective dream. "Some of my personal goals are obviously to contribute to the team as much as possible," he explained. "I think obviously I would love to win the league, and I think everyone at the club would. So, that’s a big goal of mine."

His targets are specific: to be a decisive force in the final third. "I would also want to score and contribute goals going forward, to bring a nice interplay in the final third and also to work really hard off the ball." This work ethic aligns perfectly with the philosophy coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is instilling. "Pirates have a really good pressing culture and defensive structure. So, just to give my all whenever I play and hopefully contribute to the team winning."

His transition to the Buccaneers, following a prolonged pursuit that began in the previous transfer window, places him among creative talents like Sipho Mbule and Patrick Mswanganyi. Beyond club success, this high-profile move is also a strategic step for his international career, offering a prominent platform to maintain his status as a regular fixture for the New Zealand national team.

De Jong’s message is one of readiness and integration, a player aware of the history he hopes to help rewrite and the pressing culture he is eager to embody.