Information making its way to the Siya crew's desk is that Happy Jele will still reconsider the Orlando Pirates offer, though that might not be any time soon as he hasn't officially retired from professional football.
The lanky centre-back parted ways with the club around this time last year, having spent 16 years at the Soweto giants, where he was the longest-serving player and captain of the side. At the time, the club confirmed that the veteran campaigner had met with the club chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, at the end of the 2021/22 season to discuss his future where various options in a nonplaying capacity were offered to him, but the Middelburg-born star was not yet ready to hang up his boots.
As a result, 'Magents', as he is fondly known, surfaced at Royal AM this past season, having signed on the dotted line in February. Indications are that the 36-year-old isn't thinking about retirement yet and will consider the Pirates decision after one or two seasons when he has stopped playing, even though he appears to have left Royal AM.
"Happy Jele isn't thinking about retiring from professional football yet and he believes that he has one or two more seasons in him. Yes, he might not be with Royal AM anymore, but he is still fit and is a true professional," said a source.
"But for him, you must remember that he was offered a position at Pirates to work in a different capacity at the club and that offer still stands for him and he will consider it when he has finally decided to retire. He is a legend at Pirates and he has a good relationship with the chairman and he believes that he will always be welcomed with open arms by the club," the source concluded.
Jele's contract with Thwihli Thwahla expired at the end of June, and it remains to be seen what his next step will be, with the new season beginning early next month.
Under what capacity would you love to see Jele returning to Pirates? Share your views in the comments below!
