Andre de Jong expresses excitement in joining Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC as the Betway Premiership resumptions draws close

Andre de Jong has expressed excitement at joining Orlando Pirates.

The New Zealand-born attacker joins the Sea Robbers from Stellenbosch FC in what was a surprise move as Pirates bolstered their attacking line.

“Extremely excited to join Orlando Pirates, obviously it’s tough moving in January but yeah just looking forward to getting games under my belt and try and contribute to the team going forward,” he told the Pirates media.

“Playing for Stellenbosch we played a couple of finals against Pirates and when Pirates were interested, obviously I was very excited to join them.

“This is a really exciting chapter for me going forward. Pirates have shown so much success over the past few seasons and hopefully I can continue with that success going forward.

“I think it’s a goal for everyone’s club to win the league this year. I think it’s a great opportunity sitting on top of the log at the break now, so in these two weeks we’ve been pushing really hard.

“I then I think from the outside as well expectations from the fans and to break the drought [of winning league title] and hopefully we can this season.

“Some of my personal goals is obviously to contribute to the team as much as possible.”

Leaving Stellenbosch side who are at the bottom end of the table, De Jong joins this season’s potential PSL champions in Pirates who are on top of the standings.

“Obviously, I’d love to win the league, and I think everyone at the club would, so that’s a big goal of mine,” he said.

“Also like to score goals and contribute going forward. I think Pirates has a really good pressing culture and defensive structure.

“So, just to give my all whenever I play and hopefully contributing to the team winning.”

Pirates face Sekhukhune United next week as the league resumes after the Africa Cup of Nations.