PSL star in rare World Cup place chase

While Bafana Bafana will have most of the players from the PSL at next year's World Cup, there is yet another star set for the global showpiece. Stellenbosch FC's Andre de Jong has brought himself back into contention with New Zealand after making his return last month, exactly three years since he earned his last cap. READ | Mokoena's cautions status for AFCON finals The All Whites have again included the attacker this month as he works his way through his seventh season playing in the Betway Premiership. He has a good chance of starting in the two friendly matches against Colombia and Ecuador during the current FIDA dates, with Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood out. The Oceania Football Confederation champions sealed their World Cup qualification back in March and now have their focus planted on the global showpiece. Their forthcoming friendlies will be played in the USA, where next year's World Cup will be held. For De Jong, the task at hand is making it into the World Cup squad, which will mean travels from South Africa through to New Zealand and then USA/Mexico/Canada. This will be the All Whites' third appearance at the World Cup in history. The 29-year-old has won 11 caps, but prior to last month, his previous appearance had been in October 2022. De Jong is two goals shy of becoming the latest player to reach 50 strikes to his name playing in South Africa, where he has also been with AmaZulu FC. His abilities in attacking spaces were the subject of interest from Orlando Pirates during the last transfer window. READ: Another plus for Chiefs keeper's claim for Bafana consideration The move was set to happen on the last day, only for the two clubs to fail to agree on the transfer terms. De Jong has played in all but one of Stellies' 20 games to date this season.