Is Andre de Jong the final piece Orlando Pirates need to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns?
New Zealander Andre de Jong has outlined his ambition to help his new club Orlando Pirates mount a serious challenge for the Betway Premiership title.
Image: Orlando Pirates
New Zealander Andre de Jong has outlined his ambition since completing the move to Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC.
De Jong joins the club when they are sitting at the top of the Betway Premiership table, with a very realistic chance of unseating Mamelodi Sundowns as the kings of South African football for the first time in eight years.
With the title race finely poised, De Jong’s arrival could prove timely. Orlando Pirates have shown they can match Sundowns in intensity and organisation, but the addition of a true target man gives them a different attacking dimension. De Jong’s ability to occupy centre-backs, work tirelessly off the ball and bring teammates into play adds balance to an attack that has sometimes lacked a consistent focal point in tight matches.
For the 29-year-old, it’s important that the club pick up where they left off when the league season resumes following the Africa Cup of Nations.
“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 break now. So, in these two weeks, we have really been pushing too hard,” the New Zealander said, according to FARPost.
“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.”
At Stellenbosch, De Jong played for a club of limited means punching above their weight. At Pirates, however, he now features for one of the country’s biggest clubs, where the pressure – and the prizes – are significantly greater. His accurate link-up play and willingness to create space for others could be vital over the grind of a PSL season, particularly against opponents content to sit deep.
“Some of my personal goals are obviously to contribute to the team as much as possible. 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. 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.
“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.”
With expectations rising, De Jong arrives at Pirates at a moment of genuine opportunity. If his work rate, physical presence and ability to connect play translate into consistent performances, he could yet prove an important piece in Pirates’ bid to turn promise into silverware and finally end their long wait for league glory.
IOL Sport