Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has bid farewell to the South African DStv Premiership side, ending a 16-year stint. The Pirates announced on Monday the exit of the defender who was known for his dedication. “Our central defender and club captain, who has reached the end of his contract, will leave […]
Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has bid farewell to the South African DStv Premiership side, ending a 16-year stint. The Pirates announced on Monday the exit of the defender who was known for his dedication.
“Our central defender and club captain, who has reached the end of his contract, will leave the club. This marks the end of Happy Jele’s memorable career with us,” the Pirates announced.
“The Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Happy Jele met with the club president at the end of the 2021/22 season to discuss his future. During those deliberations, which spanned a three-week period, the club discussed the various employment options available to the long-serving defender in a non-playing role. »
The 35-year-old leaves following turning down an offer to serve in another non-playing capacity in the squad.
“Ordinarily players are released at the end of their contract, but in the case of Happy, as he has a special place in the club, having served the club so professionally for the past 16 years, the chairman had specifically asked the player his opinion.
“A follow-up meeting took place two weeks later, during which Happy expressed his intention to continue playing football beyond the 2021/2022 season, an option which unfortunately is not available,” adds Pirates.
Jele signed for the Pirates in 2006 and won 8 trophies, made over 400 appearances and scored 18 goals.
The defender is among several players the Pirates have released as part of a massive clean-up operation.
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