Kamwendo hopes ‘asset Jele’ shall take up another post at Pirates
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Joseph Kamwendo has said he hopes defender Happy Jele shall return to the Buccaneers’ camp to take up another post in the near future.
The Malawian reacted to the news that Jele had parted ways with the Soweto team. He believes the former Bucs skipper, who spent 16 years at the club, has been an asset to the club.
“I personally salute him for his achievements, and I am sure he will take up another post around Pirates. He is an asset for the club,” said Kamwendo, who played for the Soweto giants between 2007 and 2011.
The former Vasco da Gama FC playmaker said he shall always cherish the time he spent at Pirates with the centre-back. He praised the 35-year-old as a true professional who did his business with humility.
“It was great to play with him. I will miss his professionalism and humbleness. Honoured to play with him when I was there, and he will be remembered for his attitude towards the game,” he told FARPost.
Jele has since indicated that he will continue playing, suggesting he still has some years of football remaining in his boots. Indications are that he could join Royal AM in KZN.
The man from Middelburg penned a heartfelt message to the Ghost explaining that he turned down a non-playing position as he still wants to play for another two seasons.
His contract expired at the end of last month, and the club’s management proposed several job options for him. However, he insisted he wanted to continue playing.
During his 16 years with Pirates, Jele won eight trophies, 400 appearances, and 18 goals.
The now Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers assistant coach spent three seasons at Pirates before leaving in 2011.
The 35-year-old also played for TTM, Vasco Da Gama, Caps United in Zimbabwe, TP Mazembe (Congo), Liga Muculmana (Mozambique) and Nordsjaelland (Denmark).
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