Orlando Pirates Football Club proved that their ultimate minute persuit of New Zealand striker Andre De Jong on the final day of the switch window was once no longer an emotional act even even though the deal did not go via at that specific moment. According to dependable sources in the South African soccer journalist crew, have said that the membership has secured the offerings of the Stellies attacker with some reporting that it is solely non-public phrases between that participant and the membership that wishes to be agreed.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s group has management in defence and midfield however up top, it is the place they have been very skinny with regards to management and in DE Jong, Bucs obtained themselves a leader, playmaker and skilled ahead who will convey versatility in the assault of the crew due to his capability to lead the line as nicely as taking part in in a withdrawn position in the hole.

The former Royal AM forward’s potential to drop deeper and enable runners to go past him matches in flawlessly with the offensive schemes of the crew due to the fact lot of dreams comes from wingers who are the use of their pace to spoil the final line of defence by using make the most the house in behind. Evidence Makgopa has been the solely ahead who has persistently dropped deeper, pulled broad to enable runners get into risky positions and it is precisely that De Jong has been doing at the cape Winelands aspect with my favored Devin Titus being the largest beneficiary.

I’m very completely happy that in spite of top performances and effects so some distance this season specially in the league, the administration nonetheless noticed the want of De Jong due to the fact and that suggests that they have a precise position for him in the team. It’s no longer a secret that the probabilities of Orlando Pirates Football Club triumphing the league are extra sensible this season in particular if they proceed to produce sustained duration of productiveness that they proven so some distance this season and bringing in Andre indicates they want his experience, leadership and goals. I salute the administration for this accurate piece of enterprise due to the fact this should show to be the distinction they wanted in prevailing the league. Andre De Jong will formally be part of Bucs in January.

Former defender Michael Morton believes Andre De Jong will add more value to Orlando Pirates’ attacking line heading to the second round of the Betway Premiership season. De Jong is reported to be on his way to join Pirates in January after the club agreed terms with the player and reached an agreement with his team, Stellenbosch FC.

He was due to join in August, but Stellies turned down the offer after failing to find his replacement. The former AmaZulu FC man could be among the new signings set to be unveiled by the Soweto giants when the transfer window opens in January. Morton and Andre De Jong played together at Usuthu before the latter joined Royal AM in 2022. Both shared a room during the lockdown enforced by COVID-19.

“Andre is one of my best mates, we played together at AmaZulu for two years. He stayed with me during the lockdown as well, one of my best mates,” affirmed the former footballer who came through the ranks at Bucs.

“It’s difficult for me not to be biased for this one, but I will give you a couple of reasons why he is a good signing for Pirates. He is very different from what they currently have. Obviously, [there’s Yanela] Mbuthuma, [Evidence] Makgopa, [Tshegofatso] Mabasa up front, and Andre is a little different from those three. He can play as a nine, he can play as a false nine, he can play as a 10.

“He is very good at spaces, he finds spaces very well, he plays well in the pockets, he plays well off good players. So, Rele, Oswin [Appollis] playing around him, [as well as] the ‘Chef’ [Sipho Mbule], I think they will combine well with De Jong.

“He is very smart, and he is also fitter than people give him credit for. His pressing game is also good. I am a big fan, but again, I am slightly biased.

“But I do believe he adds a little more to that Pirates attacking line, especially heading to the final part of the season, where we’re gonna need more goals,” added Morton.

Meanwhile, Pirates are still locked in negotiations with Tshegofatso Mabasa with the intention to offer him a new contract. His contract with is set to expire in June 2026.