Happy Jele on how if felt to play again

Royal AM defender Happy Jele has voiced out his feelings after making a return to football having watched from the stands for ten months.

The last time he had laced up his boots was on 30 May 2022 when he played his last game for Orlando Pirates against SuperSport United.

At the end of the previous season, he parted company with the Buccaneers, a club he had served for 16 years.

Despite having signed for Thwihli Thwahla in January, Jele’s debut for Royal AM was delayed by the two-match suspension he carried from last season.

The 36-year-old centre back got his marching orders in the last match of the season against Matsatsantsa.

Besides the suspension, John Maduka was at times, reluctant to throw him in taking into account that he hadn’t played in a long time.

Eventually, two weeks ago, Jele got a run against Stellenbosch in the DStv Premiership. 

He says it was an immense moment and gave thanks to the club for having belief in him.

HAPPY JELE REACTS TO HIS RETURN 

“For me it was great after being away from football for such a long time,” said Jele.

“And for me just to come here and play. Firstly, I want to thank the president and the technical team for believing in me.

“Just to believe and come back and play again, for me, it’s a greatest thing.”

He has promised the Pietermaritzburg-based club to be useful during his stay in KZN.

“I’m very happy to be back and I’m just here to help the team to go forward,” he continued.

The Middelburg-born was unfortunate to get a knock in the Nedbank Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs last week.

He was stretched off in the first half. However, it’s still unclear whether it was a serious injury.

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