New Stellenbosch FC signing Andre de Jong has added an extra dimension to the team and offers a new different aspect to the team’s attack with his link-up play, says coach Steve Barker as the side ready to take on frontrunners Richards Bay on Saturday.
The New Zealand international arrived from Royal AM in the January transfer window and after a frustrating delay for his work permit, has played twice for Stellenbosch.
“We've had to play Jaden Adams and Antonio van Wyk in that sort of role at times but I think Andre just gives us a little bit more balance throughout, in terms of aerial set plays for and against plus the ability to remain in those pockets and be calm and link the defence and midfield into the attack,” explained Barker, whose side have won both games that De Jong has played in, with success away at Chippa United in Gqeberha in the league and Swallows FC at Cape Town in the first round of The Nedbank Cup.
“He's not most explosive player, he’s not going to be running in behind but you can bounce things off him.
“I don’t think he's at his best, I think with more games to come and a bit more conditioning behind him. more minutes behind him, he'll be key.”
Barker said he was also relying on De Jong, who first came to South Africa to play for AmaZulu, to help with scoring, along with the club’s other new signing Iqraam Rayners.
“I think we now have a front four with good backup and the ability to now play different situations the way we need to,” added the coach.
Stellenbosch, who are 13th in the standings, meet Richards Bay at Umlazi in Durban on Saturday.