Orlando Pirates’ new recruit Andre de Jong has clarified the confusion around his best position, revealing where he feels most comfortable on the pitch.
The talented attacker joined Pirates in the 2026 January transfer window from Stellenbosch FC to bolster the Buccaneers’ attack as they look to stop Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership. The Brazilians have won the league title for eight successive seasons, a run that Pirates are keen on ending.
On the other hand, Pirates have been chasing the elusive league for over a decade after last winning the Premiership back in 2012. In the past two transfer windows, the Sea Robbers have signed quality players to build a strong team that can dethrone Sundowns.
Pirates have signed big-name players such as Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, and Sihle Nduli at the start of the 2025/26 season. In January 2026, the Soweto giants acquired the services of Mpho Chabatsane, Daniel Msendami, and De Jong.
Since arriving at Pirates, De Jong has been the centre of debate with fans and pundits seemingly divided on the 29-year-old’s best position.
De Jong has been playing in the number 10 role at Pirates, competing with other stars such as Patrick Maswanganyi, Sipho Mbule, Kabelo Dlamini, and Relebohile Mofokeng for the position.
WHAT DE JONG SAID ABOUT HIS BEST POSITION
Speaking at Rand Stadium on Monday ahead of the blockbuster clash against Sundowns, De Jong has revealed that he’s better suited as a false 9.
“I think our coach allows a lot of freedom, so you get on the ball, and obviously one of my strong points is linking up play, releasing other players in the final third,” De Jong said.
“So I think building on that and having an eye for the goal, so just get in the box and finish things off. I think Pirates suit my game nicely, as I said earlier, with having 65 to 70% of the possession. So I’m just looking to build on that.
“I can play as a 10 and upfront, but playing as a false 9 would be more so [best position],” De Jong added in a reply to FARPost.
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