Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has revealed he was “shocked” when he received the “non-playing offer” from the Buccaneers.
Jele, 35, had been with the Buccaneers for 16 years before the club announced his departure on Monday.
The news sent shockwaves through the club’s fan base, and the defender now confirmed that he was equally as shocked about being offered a non-playing role, while he strongly feels he can still play for another season or two.
Nevertheless, he thanked the club and in particular chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza for the way he’s been treated over his time at Orlando Stadium.
“Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of Orlando Pirates FC Dr Irvin Khoza for bringing me to this massive team when I was just a teenager starting out in my football career 16 years ago,” he said in a statement that was sent to the South African Football Journalists Association via his representatives.
“I am proud to have represented the Ghost with dedication, loyalty and humility and I hope I didn’t disappoint.
“To Bucs staff, all the different technical staff I have worked under for the past 16 years, Club management, supporters and my management company Professionalz from which my career is managed, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for being part of my journey and guiding me in my football life.
“When the chairman invited me to his office to offer me a non playing position I was humbled but at the same time shocked as I personally wasn’t ready to take off the badge as yet.
“Yes I was offered an opportunity in non playing staff and I gracefully expressed my desire to play for another season or two before I hang up my boots.
“I therefore wish to inform my fans and the ghost supporters that I won’t be lost in the black and white family but will take a year or two break away from the club to possibly pursue my interest of playing before I call it quits or even making my way back to the Ghost, but time will tell.
“The opportunity afforded to me by the club Chairman Dr Khoza will be highly considered during my time away from the club I only played for in my professional football career. No one can predict the future but hopefully I will be back to The Club one day in a different capacity.
“I wish Orlando Pirates FC, fans, supporters, management and the members of the 2022/23 squad all the best in their future endeavors.
“Once and always a buccaneer, Happy Jele.”
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