Joining Royal AM for Happy Jele is like going back to where it all started for the experienced defender.
Jele made his PSL debut on 20 September 2006 for Orlando Pirates against Maritzburg United at the age of 19 years, eight months,and 19 days old under then coach Milutin Sredojevic, at Chatsworth Stadium, the home venue of Royal AM.
The former Pirates captain was in the stands with club boss Shauwn Mkhize when they drew 1-1 with SuperSport United on a muddy pitch at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.
Bradley Grobler scored his 99th goal for Gavin Hunt’s men, meeting a perfect corner in the first half.
But Royal AM, as so often the case under John Maduka did not lie down, with Kabelo Mahlasela finding the equaliser on what was a atrocious wet surface in Durban.
“This [to come here] means a lot to me,” Jele told iDiski Times.
“This venue is where I made my debut against Maritzburg in 2006, so I’m coming back to Maritzburg again [where Royal AM is based], it’s a great feeling for me.”
Jele was supposed to have joined Royal AM at the beginning of the season after he declined a none-playing role at Pirates, which was offered to him by the club.
He felt that he still got a few years left in him to play and finally the move was sewn up between both parties in January to see one of the most accomplished defenders in the PSL sign for the club.
The 36-year-old has not been playing for months, but Jele said he is in good nick of shape. At the moment Jele can’t feature, since he was sent off in his last game for Pirates against the very same SuperSport at the end of last season.
When asked if he needed away time to be with his family, having been in the game for a long time – Jele said that was not the case.
“Not really,” Jele said. “I was looking for a team and not just like I was sitting at home.
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“I was training on my own, taking care of myself, and waiting for any team that comes and give me the opportunity, and Royal AM came and they gave me the opportunity and here am.
“Now it is just to make sure that I help the team to go where they want to be. The vision that they have is very good and I just want to be there and help the team achieve.”
However, Jele, having served his first game after being registered, will now miss his last match for Royal AM against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (20:00).
Jele is likely to make his debut for Royal AM when they host Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium on 4 March.
