De Jong completed a move from Stellenbosch FC to Orlando Pirates in January 2026. He 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.
Josephs has urged supporters to remain patient with De Jong, insisting the striker’s quality is clear despite a slow adjustment period.
ORLANDO PIRATES IS A DIFFERENT BEAST
The Buccaneers legend believes the jump to Orlando Pirates is not just about football ability, but mentality.
While De Jong may be naturally quiet and humble, Josephs feels he will grow into the aggression and authority required at a club of this size.
He believes that once De Jong fully understands his positioning and settles into the Pirates environment, supporters will begin to see his true level.
“You can see the qualities there, my brother,” Josephs said on the Soccer Beat podcast. “But as we all know, coming to the land of Pirates is a different beast.
“You know, it’s a different atmosphere, a different environment. There is a different mentality that you need to have.
“And I know Andre De Jong personally, as a human being, he’s a very quiet, humble boy, you know? And at Pirates, you need to have that aggression, you know? So he’ll find his feet gradually. We just need to have that patience, and you can see the quality there.
THE TRUE ANDRE DE JONG IS YET TO BE UNCOVERED
“But once he does find his feet, understands his environment, then we’ll see the real Andre De Jong, you know? So we keep giving him that opportunity, understand your role in the team, sometimes he’s deep, sometimes he’s over there, so he needs to understand where he needs to be.
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“But that only happens with time, but the quality is there. What I love, what I love, how welcoming the boys are…the love, the support. So that is what we’re gonna need to do as well.
“Coming from a team like Stellenbosch to Orlando Pirates, there’s a big big difference. People might think it is the same thing. The thing there you carry on your heart, that badge, those crossbones are heavy. That’s heavy.
“Once he settles down, oh, my goodness. We’re gonna see the quality come out. Yes, the performance was not 100%. I give him 60%, you know, which is something he can work on, and I’m sure he will,” Josephs concluded.
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