Orlando Pirates have kicked off the 2026 January transfer window with a statement of intent, officially confirming the signing of Stellenbosch FC talisman Andre de Jong.
The forward becomes the Buccaneers’ first acquisition of the year as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the season. De Joing joins Pirates after impressing at Stellies in the past few seasons under Steve Barker, who recently left the club for a project with Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
De Jong is joining the star-studded Pirates team as they are aiming to clinch the elusive league title for the first time since 2012. The Soweto giants have had a decent first round of the 2025/26 season, showing a big potential of dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the league for eight consecutive seasons.
Pirates are sitting at the summit of the league table with 28 points in 12 matches played. They won nine games, drew one, suffered two defeats, and they are two points ahead of second-placed Sundowns, who are on 26 points.
DE JONG BOOTS PIRATES LEAGUE TITLE CHASE
Meanwhile, Pirates have also shown their clear intentions of winning all trophies on offer after clinching the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles under the guidance of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in the current campaign.
After the PSL transfer window officially opened on the 1st of January, Pirates have snapped up De Jong to beef up the striking force that already has big players such as Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma, Sifiso Luthuli, and Yanela Mbuthuma.
“Orlando Pirates is pleased to announce the signing of Andre de Jong,” the Soweto giants announced on social media on Monday morning.
During his time at Stellenbosch, De Jong featured in over 100 appearances across all competitions, scored 19 goals, and provided 11 assists. The 29-year-old also played a big role in Stellenbosch winning the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023.
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