An AmaZulu reject is riding on the crest of a wave as he is receiving Royal praises just days before the 2022/23 season kicks off.
When AmaZulu FC released players at the end of last season, some names didn’t come as a shock based on appearances made during their spell.
A few weeks later, one of them has received rave reviews from his new club.
The New Zealand striker Andre De Jong joined Usuthu in 2019 with high expectations after the club sold Emiliano Tade to Mamelodi Sundowns. Unfortunately, he couldn’t live up to expectations as he struggled with injuries under different coaches.
During Benni McCarthy’s tenure, there were indications that he may bounce back as he got more minutes, but at the end of the season, he parted away with the club with 35 appearances in three years with only four goals. He joined Royal AM.
With a new home and possibilities, the 26-year-old seems to have found his groove back as he has impressed the new club with coach Khabo Zondo praising him for his revival and believes he will do well at the Royal Ranch as he refers to him as a brilliant player.
“A great find for the club, intelligent player and understands the football, he is getting used to the team, he enjoyed pre-season, he has done so well, he has a bright future,” Zondo explains to FARPost after the club won the KZN Premiers’ Cup.
De Jong at Usuthu made 35 appearances in three years with only four goals.
‘Thwihli Thwahla’ kick off their season with a clash against Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. They will be hoping to start off strong and replicate last season’s form that saw them finish third in the DStv Premiership.
However, newly signed striker Samir Nurkovic will miss the opening fixtures of the season due to a knee injury. He joined the club on a three-year deal after parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs.
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