Andre de Jong opens up on Orlando Pirates move | OneFootball

De Jong on Bucs transfer

Photo: Orlando Pirates @ X

Newly signed Orlando Pirates forward Andre de Jong has shared his thoughts on sealing a move to the Soweto giants from Stellenbosch FC.

The New Zealand international played a crucial role in Stellies' recent success after joining from Royal AM in the January 2023 window.

Boasting 19 goals and 11 assists in 114 appearances for the Cape Winelands side, De Jong attracted the interest of the Pirates, and he’s buzzing about swapping the Mother City for Johannesburg.

“I’m extremely excited to join Orlando Pirates. Moving in January is always a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to getting some game time and making an impact for the team,” he told the club’s media team.

"Playing for Stellenbosch, we lost a couple of finals to Pirates in the past, so when Pirates showed interest, I was thrilled. Joining them is a massive new chapter for me."

"Pirates have enjoyed a lot of success in recent seasons, and hopefully I can help keep that momentum going."

The 29-year-old versatile player went on to lay out his ambitions at Mayfair, revealing his hunger to help the Buccaneers finally capture the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.

“Everyone at the club wants to win the league this year. We’re in a great position, sitting top of the log at the break. There’s a lot of expectation from the fans to end the drought, and hopefully this is our season,” De Jong added.

"On a personal level, my aim is to contribute as much as I can to the team. Winning the league is a huge goal for me, as it is for everyone here. I’d also love to score and set up more goals as we push forward."

"I want to bring some sharp combination play in the final third and put in a real shift off the ball. Pirates have a strong pressing culture and solid defensive structure, so I’ll give everything whenever I’m on the pitch and hopefully help the team get over the line."