At the conclusion of the previous season, Jele agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Pirates, however that agreement was due to expire at the end of June 2022. The Pirates’ captain has had a phenomenal 16-year run with the Buccaneers, appearing in more than 400 games since 2006.
Although the 35-year-old has struggled with injuries as he approaches what is anticipated to be the twilight of his career, GOAL.com recently revealed that Pirates have chosen to exercise a crucial option in his contract to extend until June, 2023.
“Yes, the option in his contract has been taken up by the club,” his agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane, confirmed to GOAL.
However, according to Unplayable, a fast-growing social media network, a source has indicated that Jele’s future at the club is in severe question, stating:
“Don’t be surprised if he leaves… they are in meetings and hopefully they come to an agreement, but it doesn’t look good.”
Currently, the club is reportedly considering the long-serving captain’s future, with Royal AM reportedly interested in signing him, according to KickOff.com.
“The club is going to meet him soon to determine his future. There is already huge interest to sign him. Royal AM are keen and watching his situation at Pirates,” said the source.
It was previously believed that Jele, who is currently 35 years old, may ultimately be lined up for a non-playing job at the club by Pirates.
Jele has won three MTN8 championships, two league championships, two Nedbank Cups, a Telkom Knockout tournament, and two Nedbank Cups. It now appears that a management position may be available to him when he decides to hang up his boots.
Jele seems to have been rewarded for his loyalty.
Happy Jele has previously expressed a wish to continue playing with the club, according to sources that spoke to The Citizen.
“Jele is getting another season, there is no way that he will leave the club or retire at the moment. He is currently playing at a high level even though there has been some injuries here and there. That is why there are games where he doesn’t play or he starts from the bench, but it’s all about the coaching staff managing him. The coaches have already revealed that they want to keep him, especially since he has been a good role model to the young players. They like him very much and they respect him. So, you need someone like him in a team so that there could be order and the players learn from him”.