The Buccaneers have ended in second place on the league standings behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their last three top-flight campaigns.

This term they lead the Brazilians at the top of the standings with 28 points from 12 games - two clear of Sundowns and from a game less.

De Jong joins Pirates from Stellenbosch, where he played 114 games, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists.

Speaking after completing his move, the New Zealand international former AmaZulu and Royal midifielder, says his goal is to win the Premiership with Bucs.

He told the club's website: "Extremely excited to join Orlando Pirates, obviously it's tough moving in January but yeah just looking forward to getting games under my belt and try and contribute to the team going forward.

"Playing for Stellenbosch we played a couple of finals against Pirates and when Pirates were interested, obviously I was very excited to join them.

"This is a really exciting chapter for me going forward. Pirates have shown so much success over the past few seasons and hopefully I can continue with that success going forward.

"I think it's a goal for everyone's club to win the league this year. I think it's a great opportunity sitting on top of the log at the break now, so in these two weeks we've been pushing really hard.

"I then I think from the outside as well expectations from the fans and to break the drought [of winning league title] and hopefully we can this season.

"Some of my personal goals is obviously to contribute to the team as much as possible.

"Obviously, I'd love to win the league, and I think everyone at the club would, so that's a big goal of mine.

"Also like to score goals and contribute going forward. I think Pirates has a really good pressing culture and defensive structure.

“So, just to give my all whenever I play and hopefully contributing to the team winning.”

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