After completing the move from Stellenbosch FC to Orlando Pirates in January, De Jong made his debut for the Buccaneers as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Magesi FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The New Zealander soon earned his first start in the 4-1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the Nedbank Cup, scoring the opener from the penalty spot.
BENEDICT VILAKAZI RATES ANDRE DE JONG AFTER ORLANDO PIRATES FULL DEBUT
Orlando Pirates’ former star Vilakazi believes the TTM performance could prove to be a turning point for the attacker. He was particularly impressed by the player’s intelligence on the ball and subtle movements off it.
Vilakazi suggested that once everything fully clicks, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou may even consider using him in a more fluid false nine role, a position that would maximise his link-up play and awareness in tight spaces.
“So far so good,” Vilakazi said on Omniaudioafrica. “There is a plus in him. He is a number 10 player, but you can also play him as a false nine. He is very good at sneaking into those spaces between the defenders.
“He is a good passer and is very intelligent in how he creates goal chances for his teammates. He can make runs to take defenders away from that central position.
“And then the midifieders will run in. Players like Tito [Patrick Maswanganyi], [Sipho] Mbule and [Relebohile] Mofokeng, aboo [Oswin] Appollis aboo [Tshepang] Moremi. He will create these opportunities for them.
“For him to start that game [4-1 win over TTM] and score the penalty, it will boost going forward. I believe it is just a matter of time before the boy really clicks. I have a sense that once this boy clicks, I think coach [Abdeslam] Ouaddou will use him as a false number nine.
VALUABLE ADDITION AROUND TEAMMATES
Vilakazi said he noticed encouraging signs in the player’s performance, especially in the way he controls and passes the ball, as well as his movement into good spaces.
The former Orlando Pirates ace added that De Jong seems to make life easier for those around him, always looking to get involved and make himself available as an option.
He also appreciated the way the coach and teammates backed him when he stepped up to take the penalty. For Vilakazi, that moment showed unity within the Orlando Pirates camp, as the players clearly wanted to help him build confidence and feel part of the group.
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DO YOU PREFER ANDRE DE JONG AS A 10 or 9?
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