Orlando Pirates forward Andre de Jong says he’s hopeful he will have the chance to represent the club at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with his country New Zealand.
De Jong, 29, was a high-profile signing for the club in January as they lured him from Stellenbosch after months of speculation – where the deal initially fell through on deadline-day in the first window of the 2025/26 season.
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With one goal in nine games, the Buccaneers have yet to see the fluent Kiwi, that starred as a second striker for Stellies and that was brought into the club to boost their pursuit for the Betway Premiership title in a fierce race with Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, the former AmaZulu and Royal AM talent admits he’s finally getting to grips with the demands, on and off the pitch and is aiming to contribute positively in the run-in.
“I do feel like I’m finding my feet now, to move in January is always a bit different, coming to a new province – and that brings its own challenges as well, but I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club,” de Jong said.
“The guys have been really good to me, as well as the technical team – and I feel like I’m finding my feet and bedding in nicely now, so hopefully I can impact in the last few games.”
Pirates face Stellenbosch, Magesi, Durban City and ORBIT College in the final four league games of the season, starting with his former club at Athlone Stadium next week.
And once the campaign draws to a close, it might not be the holiday many others will be enjoying, as a potential place in the New Zealand national team squad heading to North America – where The All Whites are in Group G, alongside, Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
“I think there’s many people in the league who have aspirations to get the World Cup, so there’s nervous wait for the next two months but I really hope I can get to the World Cup and represent Orlando Pirates at the World Cup would be incredible,” he said.
“To be on the biggest stage of world football is something everyone dreams of, so hopefully I can get there. That would be amazing.”
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