Orlando Pirates’ January signing Andre de Jong has explained why he inherited the respected jersey number 14 at the Soweto giants.
The New Zealand international joined the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch FCย after the move initially fell through on the last day of the previous transfer window. But Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou finally secured his target, who now faces stiff competition in the playmaker role.
Relebohile Mofokeng has been terrific as a number 10. Also, the likes of Sipho Mbule and Patrick Maswanganyi have been fighting for regular football in that role.
De Jong opted to wear jersey number 14, popularised at the club by double treble-winning captain Lucky Lekgwathi. Another former Buccaneers skipper, Thulani Hlatshwayo, also carried the number on the back of his shirt for two seasons.
Lately, it was Monnapule Saleng who became influential at Pirates while in that shirt.ย ย
โOf course, itโs an incredible jersey number to wear at Orlando Pirates. There is history behind it,โ said De Jong.
โMy reason is more because of Johan Cruyff and my Dutch heritage. That is why I picked number 14, but yeah, obviously big shoes to fill in, but hopefully I can live up to that.โ
HOW PIRATES MOVE FUELS DE JONGโS WORLD CUP DREAM
De Jong has represented New Zealand since 2018 and previously played for their Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. But he was an unused substitute in his last call-up for international friendly matches against Ecuador and Colombia in November 2025.
He hopes the transfer to Pirates will help him cement his place in the All Whites setup. They will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a group with Iran, Egypt and Belgium. New Zealandย have lined up friendlies in March against Finland and Chile.
โI think itโs massive [move to Pirates], this was one of the reasons why the move was so big for me, close to the World Cup. Obviously, coming up to the World Cup selection,โ said De Jong.
โThe All Whites have a couple of games in March back home, so I would really be keen to be involved in that. I think anyone in the PSL is pushing. Bafana are at the World Cup as well, so I think itโs lifting the standard of competition.
โAt Pirates, we have nine players who were called up for AFCON, and a lot of other people have aspirations to make the World Cup for Bafana. So I think thereโs tons of competition, and hopefully I can grab that opportunity for the All Whites.
โObviously, the games in March will be interesting if I can get called up to that. But I think itโs starting to settle into people how big the move was over that side of the world,” the Kiwi went on.
โObviously, these fixtures playing Sundowns and a sold-out Chiefs already are huge for my career. So I hope I can get some minutes on the pitch and stake a claim to make that World Cup squad.โ
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