Pirates to make Jele decision!

Orlando Pirates are expected to make a decision regarding the future of veteran defender and team captain Happy Jele, as the 2019/20 season draws closer to an end.

Jele has just over four months left to run on his existing deal, having penned a one-year contract extension last year in June, though the club does have an option included in the deal. If exercised, the option will see him at the club until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 33-year-old, who has been with the Soweto giants since 2006, continues to play a pivotal role in leading the team on the field under the mentorship of Josef Zinnbauer, as he has under all the previous coaches in recent years.

To date this season, Magents has amassed 18 appearances in the league, and was only unavailable in the other fixtures due to suspension, while he has featured in all the other competitions. It is clear that Jele is a key player to the club and, although Pirates have not yet exercised the option, sources close to the player’s dealings have indicated that the defender is confident that he will be with Bucs next season. It’s no secret that Pirates are in the market for a new centre-back, a player who is capable of taking over from the aging Jele.

However, having missed out on Bidvest Wits’ Thulani Hlatshwayo, Bucs have not been able to find the perfect replacement just yet.

As it stands, Jele is a key member of the team and you can expect his option to be exercised.