NOT A HAPPY ENDING…
Happy Jele’s Soccer Laduma interview tore my heart into pieces. Sadly, these shenanigans of sending loyal, dedicated players into early
retirement have been happening unabated at the so-called big teams. I wonder what the real reason behind this is because in other leagues globally, you hardly see this. Hlompho Kekana and Willard Katsande were taken through the same route. I know giving players positions at the teams, after retirement, is just a privilege and not a must, but let’s treat these guys with respect. Now this is where my inquisitive side kicks into gear. Had Jele accepted the new role that was being created for him, would he have stayed under the same salary package excluding incentives, or would he have had to get a reduction? Look at players like Kekana, Siphiwe Tshabalala and George Lebese – exceptional players, but they’ve struggled to get teams after they were discarded. Now I’m scared this might also happen to Jele. To the current crop of players, please make hay while the sun shines because tomorrow is not promised. Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema
After reading Happy Jele’s interview in last week’s edition of Soccer Laduma, I was touched by how loyal the man is! He dedicated his entire football career to Orlando Pirates with the view that he would ultimately retire wearing the famous Black and White colours. However, the powers that be at Bucs held a different view. The guy gave everything and put his body on the line for the Buccaneers and, as a Bhakajuju fan, I really appreciate his contribution to my team and South African football broadly. However, I was surprised that the decision to release him was taken without the assessment of the new coach, to determine whether our veteran captain is still fit to play at a high level. It appears that rumours that chairmen of most clubs are indeed coaches have some credence. Indeed, you will remain our legend forever. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate! All the best with your team search, Sir. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka Village, Bolobedu
A true gentleman on and off the pitch, a leader, decent with the ball at his feet too. As the years went by though, so the reality sank in. Last season, he did not see much action even when other players were absent. That painted the picture really, but
we cannot take anything away from what he’s achieved. 16 years at an institution like Orlando Pirates is a huge achievement. That he feels he can still contribute on the pitch says much about the way he has looked after himself. He can still do the job
for a mid-table team, despite being released by his beloved Buccaneers, who are looking to challenge for honours again. It will be difficult for him to come back to Orlando Stadium as an opposing player, but we are still going to welcome him. It’s always difficult to watch your soulmate walking down the aisle with another guy, but for Magents, knowing his professionalism, he will be wishing for nothing but the very best for Pirates in future. Tough to let go, but Happy Jele will keep going for he has been a model professional.
Pamani Tshuma, via email
I’m an ardent Soccer Laduma reader and I want to take this opportunity to say I’m very disappointed by what
Irvin Khoza did to Happy Jele. This is exactly what happened to Hlompho Kekana. This is a clear message to all football players, especially the up-and-coming young ones, to never think that serving any team for a long time will be of any importance to these ungrateful officials. When people like Thembinkosi Lorch want to leave the club, they are being denied those opportunities. Pheello Tsotetsi, via email