The New Zealand national team has called up a PSL star ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador in the United States.
Stellenbosch FC striker Andre de Jong has been selected for the All Whites for the upcoming FIFA international window break.
De Jong, who almost joined Orlando Pirates in the August transfer window, rejoined the All Whites last month for their friendly matches against Poland and Norway. He has once again made coach Darren Bazeley’s 23-man squad for the All-Whites’ upcoming matches.
New Zealand take on Colombia in Florida on 16 November before playing Ecuador three days later in New Jersey. The two fixtures will serve as preparation for next year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
De Jong made his international debut against Canada in March 2018 and has since won 11 caps. He has scored two goals to date and joins the camp on the back of an impressive run of domestic form with Stellies.
DE JONG’S IMPRESSIVE RUN
The 28-year-old has netted three goals in five appearances since the last international break. This includes a match-winning brace against Golden Arrows and another goal in the club’s 4-1 aggregate victory over 15 de Agosto de Akonibe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
He will be hoping to excel for his national team to secure his place in the squad ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. The talented forward, however, knows he has the responsibility to help his team recover after a difficult start to the season.
Stellies suffered a 2-0 defeat to Siwelele FC at Athlone Stadium in their latest Betway Premiership encounter on Wednesday.
The result left them perched at 15th place in the league standings after 12 games played. The Winelands club has endured an uncharacteristically challenging start to the 2025/26 domestic campaign.
RELATED STORY: Steve Barker reacts to Stellenbosch’s Confed cup draw