Stellenbosch FC attacking midfielder Andre de Jong is poised to wear the famous Orlando Pirates jersey.
The latest report says the Sea Robbers have signed the 29-year-old New Zealander after failing to get the deal over the line in September.
De Jong will become a Buccaneer after eight goals and 11 assists in 113 Premier Soccer League (PSL) games.
ANDRE DE JONG TO JOIN ORLANDO PIRATES
According to iDiski Times’ leading reporter, Sinethemba Makonco, the deal is subject to an official announcement before or after the transfer window opens on 1 January.
WHAT HE WILL BRING TO SOWETO
In the current season, de Jong has chipped in with three goals and an assist in 22 matches, as Stellenbosch sit worryingly close to the Betway Premiership basement with only three wins in 14 games.
His numbers from last season read eight goals and five assists across 47 outings; however, the former AmaZulu and Royal AM footballer is not defined by his goal numbers. De Jong is recognised as one of the most intelligent, hard-running and selfless attacking midfielders in Mzansi. He is a master of space and making his attacking teammates shine with goals.
With the inclusion of his football in New Zealand with Eastern Suburbs AFC, Canterbury United, Wanderers SC and FC Hakoah Sydney City East, the incoming Buccaneer has notched 69 career goals and 37 assists in 260 games.
Interestingly, he has played 15 times against the Buccaneers, more than any other club in Mzansi or New Zealand, scoring once across four wins, four draws and seven defeats.
At the Orlando Stadium, he will compete with three fan favourites for the number 10 role: Sipho Mbule, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Kabelo Dlamini, while the superstar left winger Relebohile Mofokeng makes the occasional appearance as a number 10. De Jong is nevertheless expected to shine, as he is far more direct in style of play and selfless in mentality than the above ball wizards.
In the meantime, Orlando Pirates are preparing for Saturday’s Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium at 18:00.