VIDEO: Pirates legend on liquor issues in SA top flight

Esteemed Orlando Pirates legend Happy Jele speaks about drinking and liquor issues in the SA top flight, saying it is a big problem.

The former Pirates skipper says some of the players drink alcohol to finish the bottle and admits it’s not good.

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Jele is currently clubless after leaving Royal AM and he was speaking to Mahlatse Mphahlele of TimeslIVE.

PIRATES LEGEND ADDRESSES LIQUOR ISSUES IN SA TOP FLIGHT

Alcohol issues are well documented in SA’s top flight and the esteemed Pirates legend, Jele admits it is a serious issue or problem.

In a recent interview, Jele reveals he has seen such instances first-hand, having played professional football for more than 17 years, 16 of which were at the reigning MTN8 champions.

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“We are not taught about these things in our country or in our football. There are a lot of people who drink alcohol in football, some of the greatest players drink alcohol,” he told TimesLIVE.

 “But the important thing is: how do you drink, do you drink at the right time or do you drink at the wrong time? You find a person who has won a Uefa Champions League drinking in the change room and it is normal. 

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“It also happens in cricket and rugby, but they know it is maybe the last game of the season or tomorrow it is recovery and they don’t drink to finish the alcohol. They don’t drink to finish the 24 bottles of alcohol that is there.”

EX-PIRATES SKIPPER ON LIQUOR ISSUES IN MZANSI FOOTBALL

The man nicknamed ‘Magents’, Jele warns players not to drink when they know there is training scheduled for the following day.

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While he hopes to return to the Buccaneers to serve in a different capacity, Jele says he is not promoting drinking in the sports fraternity.

“You can’t drink too much today knowing tomorrow you are going to train or play. When it is time to drink, don’t do it too much,” he added.

“I am not promoting drinking in sports, but one glass of wine or beer is OK. 

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“It is about monitoring it in the right way and, for me, I have tried my best to stay away from such things because you are going to have enough time after football to drink.” 

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