Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given his assessment of the progress of new signing Andre De Jong.
The 29-year-old joined the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch FC during the January transfer window, ending a three-year stay with the Cape Winelands outfit.
The New Zealand international has featured in just three matches for Ezimnyama Ngenkani, coming off the bench in all of them.
Ouaddou admitted that with the depth of talent in the squad, it has been difficult to give De Jong enough opportunities to fully showcase his abilities.
However, the coach said he is satisfied with the effort De Jong has shown whenever he has been given a chance to play.
“Andre has settled well in the team, his integration was okay when he came,” said Ouaddou.
“When he came, we sat with him, the technical staff and our analysts. We showed him by data what he would be able to bring us to the club.
“He’s a clever player, and a top kind and ambitious guy. All the time when we give him time to show what he’s able to do, he tries to give his best.
“I’m sure that there’s a lot from Andre that we are going to see next 13 or 14 games that we have, either in the Nedbank or league.
“I’m very happy with his commitment, happy with what he can bring us in the team. With the numbers we have, it’s difficult to bring him quickly but I’m sure that we will see the best of him soon.”
