Proud Jele not feeling envious of Maela’s Pirates captaincy

Reflecting on his successor, Innocent Maela’s captaincy and leadership qualities, former Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele has all the good things to say and he is not envious.

Jele is one of the longest-serving Pirates players but his departure came as a shock to many and that gave Maela an opportunity to carry the baton.

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Also known as ‘Magents’, Jele spent 16 years at Pirates but he left at the end of the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season before joining Royal AM.

As Maela and coach Jose Riveiro guided the Buccaneers to a cup double last season, Jele doesn’t feel envious but he is full of praise for his former teammate.

JELE PROUD OF MAELA’S SUCCESS AS PIRATES SKIPPER

The veteran and celebrated Pirates legend, Jele reflected on his former football home’s progress under the Spanish manager, Riveiro.

He said he is proud of the coach, the team, and Maela, revealing they are still in touch when it comes to football and leadership matters.

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“I am happy for Innocent and what he has been achieving for the team. I knew him as a young boy from Mpumalanga [in Witbank] until he joined the team,” said Jele during a Carling Black Label Cup event.

“We communicate all the time to help him grow.

“I won trophies at Pirates. If it’s not your time, it’s not your time to win trophies as a captain.”

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JELE REFLECTS ON THE TROPHY DROUGHT AT PIRATES

The cool and calm central defender, Jele says he doesn’t feel bad as some people argue that he brought some bad luck to Pirates.

He added that he is pleased with the club as it claimed the MTN8 and Nedbank Cups including finishing second to qualify for the CAF Champions League.

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The 36-year-old Mpumalanga-born defender is hailed as one of the best Pirates players having lifted an impressive eight trophies including two league titles.

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“I don’t mind when people say I was blocking the success of the team because I know that I did my best in that team,” he added.

“I lost some cups and I also won some. The new team that came and won two trophies…they did well in the league by finishing second as well, that’s very good for the club.

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“I am happy for them because some of the boys who are part of the current squad, I taught them a lot of things. Seeing them winning things while I am not in that space, makes me feel fulfilled.”

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