Jele reconsidering Pirates option? What next for Jele?

A U-turn on his decision to leave Orlando Pirates could be one of the options for veteran defender and former captain of the club Happy Jele, the Siya crew has learnt.

In July, Bucs confirmed that Jele would be exiting the club, stating that the 35-year-old had rejected the club’s offer to stay at the Soweto giants in a non-playing role. At the time, however, Jele expressed his intentions to continue playing professional football.

As reported by Soccer Laduma, the lanky centre-back had hoped to sign for Royal AM after the big-spending KwaZulu-Natal outfit showed interest in his services.

However, the club has since, seemingly, decided against going on with the signing due to the player’s financial package, according to sources, which leaves the veteran facing an uncertain future as the 2022/23 season approaches the halfway mark.

Jele was spotted recently attending a social event at Trollope

Mining Services in Limpopo along with several former footballers, including fellow ex-Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi, Joseph Makhanya and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, among others.

While the search for a new club is ongoing for the Middelburg-born man, indications from sources in the know are that the player may have changed his mind on Pirates’ offer, with indications that he may be open to a non-playing role at the Soweto giants.

However, whether those non-playing roles are still available or not, only Bucs can advise, although the Houghton-based outfit did say that Jele has a ‘special place in the club’ due to his legendary status at Ezimnyama Ngenkani.

Swallows contemplate Jele addition?

But Swallows FC are watching with close interest, according to Siya sources.

Word reaching Soccer Laduma is that the Dude Birds are considering adding the experience of Jele to their ranks.

Eight rounds of matches have been played so far in the DStv Premiership and while there is talk that he could be open to a non-playing role at Orlando Pirates, the Siya crew has learnt that a possible move has surfaced in the form of Swallows FC.

It is understood that they are looking to add muchneeded steel and experience to their leaky defence, having conceded 14 goals so far, which is the most of any team in the league.

“Jele’s name is being discussed in the corridors at the club,” a well-placed source told this publication.

Magents, as Jele is affectionately known, spent his entire professional career, which has spanned over 16 seasons, at Pirates, which means that Swallows could be the first club he features for outside of the Buccaneers.

It’s understood that whether or not Jele will be signed will depend on the future of head coach Dylan Kerr, who is walking a tightrope at the Birds following a string of unsatisfactory results.

Impressively, Jele featured in 33 games in all competitions last season and was instrumental in Pirates reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final, which they lost to RS Berkane.