Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Hints at Role for New Signing Andre de Jong
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared his first impressions of new signing Andre de Jong and offered insight into the attacker’s potential role within the team. The Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, missing a chance to reclaim the top spot on the Betway Premiership log. Pirates registered 17 shots, five on target, but were unable to break through Babina Noko’s defensive wall. Sekhukhune managed six shots, with one testing the Pirates’ goalkeeper.
Ouaddou opted not to include de Jong, Daniel Msendami, or Mpho Chabatsane in the starting lineup, though Chabatsane was on the bench. The trio joined Pirates just two weeks prior. Msendami and Chabatsane arrived from Marumo Gallants, while de Jong joined from Stellenbosch. While Msendami is expected to play on either wing and Chabatsane to slot in as a left-centre back, de Jong’s position had been less clear. The Dutch attacker featured in eight matches as a striker and seven as an attacking midfielder for Stellenbosch.
Speaking to media after the Sekhukhune draw, Ouaddou highlighted de Jong’s versatility and intelligence. “Andre is a player who can bring us his intelligence, playing between the lines,” Ouaddou said. “He’s very clever and of course, can use all this capacity for finishing as well. He’s a number ten, but he can get in the box to finish. He has international experience, big experience in the PSL, and I’m sure he’s the kind of player who can help us.”
De Jong is expected to make his debut when Pirates host Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. His arrival adds depth to the squad and offers Ouaddou new tactical options in attack. The coach’s remarks suggest Pirates plan to use de Jong as a creative and finishing presence in the final third, capable of linking play and contributing goals. Fans will be watching closely to see how the attacker adapts to the Soweto giants and the demands of the Betway Premiership.
