Andre De Jong of Orlando Pirates celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2026 Nedbank Cup match between Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 7 February 2026 © Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
Friday Feb 20, 2026. 11:00
New Orlando Pirates signing Andre de Jong views his move to Mayfair as extra motivation to make New Zealand’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Buccaneers from Betway Premiership rivals Stellenbosch during the January transfer window and was handed his debut in the 2-0 win over Magesi three weeks ago.
De Jong has yet to start for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, but made his third appearance off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday which slashed the gap to the league leaders to three points.
The former AmaZulu and Royal AM player has won 11 caps for the All Whites and was called up for the last two international windows in October and November.
De Jong is now hoping to gain more exposure at Pirates to put him firmly in the frame for the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States later this year.
“I’ve obviously been called up in the last two windows, so hopefully I can get a call-up in March. We’ve got a couple of friendlies in New Zealand,” he said.
“It’ll be amazing to be involved in those games to push for the final call-up for the World Cup.
“Joining Pirates really pushes my aspirations to make the New Zealand World Cup team, so that’s one of my big goals and then also I joined because Pirates have collected a lot of trophies in the past.
“Being in an establishment like this is really good for my career. I’m really hoping to contribute to the team and win more trophies.
“Since the move to Pirates, I have seen the exposure that I’ve gotten. I think even people back in New Zealand have started to realise how big of a move it is, which is obviously good for my ambitions.”