A modern Pirates legend. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
‘Shocked’ Happy Jele opens up after Pirates exit
Happy Jele has shared his thoughts after his shock departure from Orlando Pirates that ended an illustrious career at the club.
A modern Pirates legend. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Although 35-year-old Happy Jele has endured his struggles with injury as he entered what was expected to be the twilight period of his career, it was recently thought that Pirates may opt to activate a key option in his contract to extend to June, 2023.
Yet, it’s now been revealed that although Jele hoped this option would be taken, the Buccaneers clearly believed only a non-playing role would suit the club right now.
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A statement has revealed that Jele was asked to seriously consider a non-playing role after extensive meetings, but the former captain subsequently insisted that he wanted to continue playing “beyond the 2021/2022 season”.
However, Pirates ultimately decided that they couldn’t agree to a continued role in the playing squad, and have now bid farewell to Jele. The Pirates leader enjoyed a remarkable career with the Buccaneers, which has spanned 16 years and included over 400 appearances since 2006.
He has now released the following statement to share his thoughts on the decision:
“Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of Orlando Pirates FC Dr Irvin Khoza for bringing me to this massive team when I was just a teenager starting out in my football career 16 years ago,” he said.
“I am proud to have represented the Ghost with dedication, loyalty and humility and I hope I didn’t disappoint.
“To Bucs staff, all the different technical staff I have worked under for the past 16 years, Club management, supporters and my management company Professionalz from which my career is managed, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for being part of my journey and guiding me in my football life.
“When the chairman invited me to his office to offer me a non playing position I was humbled but at the same time shocked as I personally wasn’t ready to take off the badge as yet.
“Yes I was offered an opportunity in non playing staff and I gracefully expressed my desire to play for another season or two before I hang up my boots.
“I therefore wish to inform my fans and the ghost supporters that I won’t be lost in the black and white family but will take a year or two break away from the club to possibly pursue my interest of playing before I call it quits or even making my way back to the Ghost, but time will tell.
“The opportunity afforded to me by the club Chairman Dr Khoza will be highly considered during my time away from the club I only played for in my professional football career. No one can predict the future but hopefully I will be back to The Club one day in a different capacity.
“I wish Orlando Pirates FC, fans, supporters, management and the members of the 2022/23 squad all the best in their future endeavors.
“Once and always a buccaneer, Happy Jele.”
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Pirates release the following statement in relation to Jele:
After 16 amazing years with us, we bid farewell to our future Hall of Famer.
Our central defender and Club Captain, who has reached the end of his contract, will be leaving the club. This marks the end of Happy Jele’s momentous career with us.
Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Happy Jele met with the Chairman of the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season to discuss his future. During these deliberations, which spanned a three-week period, the Club discussed various job options available to the long-term serving defender in a non-playing capacity.
Subsequent to this meeting, the 35-year-old was afforded time to go home and think about it.
Ordinarily, players are released at the end of the players’ contract but in Happy’s case, as he has a special place in the Club, having served the Club so professionally over the past 16 years, the Chairman had specifically asked the player for his input.
A follow-up meeting was held two weeks later where Happy expressed his intensions to continue playing football beyond the 2021/2022 season, an option that unfortunately is not available.
Everyone at Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to express the enormous gratitude to Happy Jele and wish him the very best of luck for the future.
Happy arrived from the amateur club Walter Stars in 2006 as a lanky and unassuming 19 year old. Today, he leaves a place he has called home for the past 16 years as a legend, captain, husband and father.
In those 16 years, he won 8 trophies, made over 400 appearances and scored 18 goals.
Happy is a special character who has answered every call the Club has made of him throughout the years which is why he has a future at the Club beyond his playing days. Everyone at Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to express the enormous gratitude to Happy Jele and wish him the very best of luck for the future.
According to KickOff.com, Royal AM could possibly be interested in securing his services.
“The club is going to meet him soon to determine his future. There is already huge interest to sign him. Royal AM are keen and watching his situation at Pirates,” said the source.
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Jele has won two league titles, two Nedbank Cups, a Telkom Knockout competition and been part of three MTN8 title successes, and now it remains what will come next for the former Pirates stalwart who clearly wants to continue his playing career for now.
