Jele has plenty to offer Bucs - Motale

Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale believes that the Buccaneers handing skipper Happy Jele (right) a contract extension is a good move, with the defender still having a lot to offer at the club.

Pirates confirmed Jele’s oneseason contract extension on Friday.

“He is one of the few experienced players at the club and he has big role to play,” said Motale.

“He played many games this past season and that says a lot about him. He is a good role model to the youngsters and I think they will learn a lot from him because he understands the culture of the team very well. When you have a player like him in your team you know that there is a good leader and other players listen when he talks.”

Looking at Pirates’ display this past season, Motale believes the club has really improved under coach Josef Zinnbauer and they should be a better side going into the next season and challenge for trophies.

“I think they did quite well, remember that the coach arrived in the middle of the season. He had a lot of work to do in a very short space of time. I think he did well and it shows that this is someone who knows what he is doing,” he added.

“The club hasn’t won trophies in a long time and I believe next season is the season to shine because the coach knows his team very well now.”

With the transfer window open, the Bucs legend insists that Pirates should go all-out to bolster their goalkeeping department.

“I’ve said it before, the club has to make sure they get that goalkeeper from Maritzburg United (Richard Ofori).

“I think he will be good at the club and give Wayne Sandilands competition. I’m not sure about reinforcing the squad elsewhere because we have many players. Some of them are out on loan and they will be coming back to the club, but that’s if the management want them back. But, like I said, my biggest concern still remains the goalkeeper.”