Orlando Pirates are believed to be on the brink of signing Andre De Jong from Cape Winelands side Stellenbosch. He’s not the only player linked.
Andre De Jong is virtually in the bag for Orlando Pirates
29-year-old New Zealander Andre de Jong is on the brink of sealing a switch from Stellenbosch to the Sea Robbers. Known for his tactical intelligence and work ethic, he operates best just behind a striker. This now makes a move for an out-and-out striker less likely. Evidence Makgopa is currently the first choice for club and country, while Yanela Mbuthuma is a capable backup. The immediate future of Tshegofatso Mabasa is unclear; the 2023-24 PSL Golden Boot winner has emerged as a target for Kaizer Chiefs. He’s only made five league appearances all season.
Puso Dithejane would be a good option
This season, versatile 21-year-old Puso Dithejane has taken his output up a few notches with four goals and four assists from 12 starts in the league for TS Galaxy. Although Pirates have an abundance of quality wingers, there’s a growing belief that Relebohile Mofokeng’s long-term future lies away from the club. A move for ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Dithejane would certainly get under the skin of Amakhosi.
Khulumani Ndamane
TS Galaxy’s 21-year-old central defender, Khulumani Ndamane, is a classy operator and only getting better. He seems the likeliest candidate to fill the big boots soon to be vacated by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who’s on his way to Chicago Fire in the MLS. Left-sided central defenders are a precious commodity, and this guy is one of the best in the PSL.
Orlando Pirates are strongly represented in the Bafana 2025 AFCON squad
Meanwhile, 25 players have been called up for AFCON duty, while three remain on standby. There’s a good mix of locally-based players and ones based abroad. Seven Pirates players are in the mix.
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
- Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Pirates
- Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy
- Thabang Matuludi – Polowkane City
- Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire
- Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Samukelo Kabini – Molde
- Tylon Smith – Queens Park Rangers
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Thalente Mbatha – Pirates
- Sphephelo Sithole – Tondela
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates
- Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq
- Sipho Mbule – Mamelodi Sundowns
- Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
- Elias Mokwana – Al Khazem
- Shandre Campbell – Club Brugge
- Lyle Foster – Burnley
- Tshepang Moremi – Pirates
- Evidence Makgopa – Pirates