New recruit De Jong will challenge Mbule and Tito, says Pirates legend Sebola

Orlando Pirates legend Andries Sebola is optimistic new signing Andre de Jong will add value to the club, implying the New Zealander’s arrival will keep Sipho Mbule and Patrick Maswanganyi on their toes.

De Jong, 29, joined Pirates from Stellenbosch last week.

The utility playmaker, who can also play as a secondary striker, has already linked up with the rest of the Bucs squad in their camp at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg before the resumption of action after the Afcon-induced break.

“Maswanganyi’s form hasn’t been good of late, and Mbule lacks stamina, hence he hardly finishes matches, so I really think De Jong will be important for the team in the second half of the season,” Sebola told Sowetan.

Maswanganyi’s form hasn’t been good of late, and Mbule lacks stamina, hence he hardly finishes matches, so I really think De Jong will be important for the team in the second half of the season

—  Andries Sebola, Orlando Pirates legend

“He can also play as a second striker, so I think he’s a good acquisition who will help Pirates in their title challenge. You need depth so that players don’t relax, so De Jong’s arrival will strengthen the depth as well.”

The New Zealand international joined Stellenbosch from Royal AM in January 2023 and went on to record 19 goals and 11 assists in 114 appearances during his spell in the Cape Winelands, leaving as the club’s third all-time top scorer behind Iqraam Rayners and Devin Titus.

De Jong could make his Pirates debut when they resume action against Sekhukhune United in the league on January 24.

Before the Afcon break, Pirates, who are top of the table, were in scintillating form, winning nine of their past 10 league fixtures with a single draw.

Sebola fears the break might have disrupted Bucs’ momentum, asserting it will take them a few games to get back to their best.

“It will take time for them to find their rhythm because they were not playing competitive football.

“They had several players at Afcon, playing in different weather in Morocco, where it’s cold, so I fear it will take a few games for the team to get their mojo back,” Sebola said.

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