Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has explained why Andre De Jong’s move to Orlando Pirates couldn’t happen during the PSL deadline day.
iDiski Times first reported on Monday that the Buccaneers had made an official move in an attempt to land the player’s signature, with sources confirming a deal was close to being finalised.
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Benadie, initially speaking to this website ahead of the closure of the transfer window, had confirmed that talks were underway between the two clubs and that they remained hopeful of retaining the player beyond the deadline.
The move fell through at the eleventh hour with clubs not ultimately reaching the agreement over the transfer of the New Zealand international.
“The clubs just couldn’t reach the agreement,” Benadie told iDiski Times on Tuesday.
De Jong has been a key player for Stellenbosch since joining the club from Royal AM in January 2023, and Pirates’ late attempt to sign their key player may have played a role as Stellies were unable to secure a replacement.
During his stint with the Cape Winelands side, he has racked up 103 appearances in all competitions, netting 16 goals and registering 11 assists in the process.
He played a big part in helping the Western Cape team win the Carling Knockout Cup during the 2023/24 season, beating TS Galaxy in the final.
Story by Sinethemba Sithole (@Sinethembah_).
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