Pirates talk of one-year Jele extension

Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele is likely to finish the season without having his contract extended by the club, according to Siya sources, although a decision about his future is pending.

Jele’s current deal will expire in just over three months’ time, and according to sources, the club will make a decision about the veteran defender at the end of the season.

Last year, the 33-year-old spoke of his desire to retire at the Buccaneers, while those close to the experienced player say that the centre-back believes that he still has a few years left in him. After a slow start to the season, due to limited game-time, Jele has worked his way into coach Josef Zinnbauer’s starting line-up, having started in all of the team’s last nine league matches.

And the latest news reaching the Siya crew is that the Middelburg-born star, who is in his 15th year with Pirates, is likely to have his contract extended by one year at the end of his current deal.

“The relationship between Happy Jele and Orlando Pirates is a good one and there are never any doubts between the parties. The player’s focus is on continuing doing well on the field and that (contract) will be taken care of at the end of the season,” said a source.

Last year ,Jele had his deal extended by one year, and according to the Siya sources, a new one-year extension is being discussed, with a view to keep him at the club until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Jele has been influential in Pirates’ resurgence, which has seen the team enjoy an unbeaten run in their last four league matches. Jele has also played an important role in helping Bucs to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup and his leadership qualities have been useful for the team in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Over the years, Jele has had a good relationship with Pirates’ chairman, Irvin Khoza, who has seen him grow since his arrival as a 19-year-old, and the club boss is believed to be keen on seeing the player continue leading the team.