By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@OrlandoPirates.
Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of highly-rated New Zealand international midfielder Andre De Jong from Stellenbosch FC.
“A new Buccaneer joins the ship! We are pleased to announce the signing of Andre de Jong. Welcome Andre! “the club said in a social media post.
De Jong has played in the Premier Soccer League since the 2019/20 season, when he joined AmaZulu.
He initially battled to break through and also had a short spell with Chippa United, before moving to Stellenbosch in January 2023.
It was in the Cape Winelands where he really found his feet and became a regular for the side, playing an important role in their 2023 Carling Knockout triumph, and qualification for CAF Confederation Cup football.
In all he made 113 appearances for the side (87 starts) and scored 18 goals in all competitions. For all his clubs in South Africa he has 160 appearances (112 starts) and 21 goals.
De Jong can play several positions but is most usually an attacking midfielder behind the strikers. He can also play as a centre-forward.
Pirates currently sit top of the Betway Premiership, two points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand. Their next fixture is away at Sekhukhune United on January 24.
Meanwhile, Motsepe Foundation Championship side Cape Town City also unveiled their latest signing, Miguel Timm, from Sekhukhune United.
Timm is said to have been offered a deal that he could not resist and left a Premiership side for a lower division team.
He made 14 appearances for Babina Noko, with only five starts. He now joins what is referred to as an ambitious project at City, who are aiming to return to playing top-flight football next season.