Orlando Pirates have explained their decision to part ways with captain Happy Jele, stating he was offered a non-playing role, while continuing to play “was not an option”.
Jele, 35, spent 16 years with Pirates, making over 400 appearances for the club, helping the Buccaneers to lift eight trophies.
He extended his deal until 2022 last season and the club had an option to extend it by another campaign, however, they decided against activating that clause in his contract.
On Monday, the Sea Robbers explained the process behind this decision, saying they offered him a role off the pitch but Jele wanted to continue playing – an option which wasn’t available at Orlando Stadium.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Happy Jele met with the Chairman of the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season to discuss his future,” the club said via a statement.
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“During these deliberations, which spanned a three-week period, the Club discussed various job options available to the long-term serving defender in a non-playing capacity.
“Subsequent to this meeting, the 35-year-old was afforded time to go home and think about it.
“Ordinarily, players are released at the end of the players’ contract but in Happy’s case, as he has a special place in the Club, having served the Club so professionally over the past 16 years, the Chairman had specifically asked the player for his input.
“A follow-up meeting was held two weeks later where Happy expressed his intensions to continue playing football beyond the 2021/2022 season, an option that unfortunately is not available.”
Jele is the eighth player to leave the Buccaneers this window, following Thulani Hlatshwayo, Linda Mntambo, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Abel Mabaso, Kwanda Mngonyama, Justice Chabalala and Wayne Sandilands, while Boitumelo Radiopane (CT Spurs), Nkanyiso Zungu (Richards Bay) and Bongani Sam (Maritzburg United) have been sent out on loan.
