Pirates star misses out on World Cup selection
Orlando Pirates’ new signing Andre de Jong failed to make the cut when New Zealand named their 26-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday.
The attacker had been in the squad for New Zealand’s last three international windows, travelling to Europe, the United States and more recently in March back to New Zealand, and made three appearances off the bench but did not have enough game time to persuade New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley of his worth.
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The 29-year-old De Jong had also been hoping his mid-season move from Stellenbosch to Pirates would increase his chances but he has been unable to bed down a regular place in the Buccaneers’ starting line-up, although he is on the cusp of helping them to take the Betway Premiership.
The Kiwis surprised in selecting Lachlan Bayliss, who only made his international debut two months ago.
The 24-year-old Australian-born player was one of the notable inclusions in the squad, along with veteran centre back Tommy Smith whose last cap was in September 2024 and has been playing in England's fifth-tier National League this season.
New Zealand Football is to give the 26 players at the World Cup roughly 40 per cent of the money which is guaranteed as a result of qualification – about R2,4-million each.
Chris Wood will captain the side as he looks to put a frustrating season with Nottingham Forest behind him. He and Smith played in the Kiwis’ last World Cup appearance in South Africa in 2010.
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