Orlando Pirates stalwart Happy Jele. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
REPORT: Happy Jele could make shock exit from Pirates
Pirates were thought to have retained the services of Happy Jele through to next year, but there is now said to be a shock twist.
Orlando Pirates stalwart Happy Jele. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Jele signed a one-year contract extension with Pirates at the end of the previous season, but that deal was set to expire at the end of June 2022. The Pirates leader has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Buccaneers, which has spanned 16 years and included over 400 appearances since 2006.
Although the 35-year-old has endured his struggles with injury as he enters what’s expected to the be twilight period of his career, GOAL.com recently reported that Pirates had opted to activate a key option in his contract to extend to June, 2023.
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“Yes, the option in his contract has been taken up by the club,” his agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane, confirmed to GOAL.
However, according to fast-growing social media platform, Unplayable, a source has revealed that the future of Jele is in serious doubt at the club, stating: “Don’t be surprised if he leaves… they are in meetings and hopefully they come to an agreement, but it doesn’t look good.”
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It was previously thought that Pirates were possibly then lining up a non-playing role at the club for Jele, who is now 35-years-old.
Jele has won two league titles, two Nedbank Cups, a Telkom Knockout competition and been part of three MTN8 title successes, and now it seems that a managerial role could quite possibly be on offer when he eventually does decide to hang up his boots.
Jele’s loyalty appears to have been rewarded
Previously, sources speaking to The Citizen had reiterated Happy Jele’s desire to stay on at the club.
“Jele is getting another season, there is no way that he will leave the club or retire at the moment. He is currently playing at a high level even though there has been some injuries here and there. That is why there are games where he doesn’t play or he starts from the bench, but it’s all about the coaching staff managing him. The coaches have already revealed that they want to keep him, especially since he has been a good role model to the young players. They like him very much and they respect him. So, you need someone like him in a team so that there could be order and the players learn from him,” a source was quoted as saying by Phakaaathi.
