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‘I want to play,’ says Happy Jele as KZN move beckons

Following his shock exit from Orlando Pirates, Happy Jele has revealed that he still wants to play for a season or two, with a move to KZN reportedly beckoning.

In a statement, the former Bucs captain said the reason he turned down a non-playing role at the Soweto giants was that he still wanted to be involved as a player.

“When the chairman [Irvin Khoza] invited me to his office to offer me a non-playing position, I was humbled but at the same time shocked as I personally wasn’t ready to take off the badge as yet. 

“Yes, I was offered an opportunity in non-playing staff, and I gracefully expressed my desire to play for another season or two before I hang up my boots. 

“I, therefore, wish to inform my fans and the ghost supporters that I won’t be lost in the black and white family but will take a year or two break away from the club to possibly pursue my interest in playing before I call it quits or even making my way back to the Ghost, but time will tell,” he said in a statement.

The 35-year-old defender who has been linked with a move to Royal AM added: “The opportunity afforded to me by the club Chairman Dr Khoza will be highly considered during my time away from the club I only played for in my professional football career.” 

He said he hopes to return to the club one day in a different capacity.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of Orlando Pirates FC Dr Irvin Khoza, for bringing me to this massive team when I was just a teenager starting out in my football career 16 years ago. 

“I am proud to have represented the Ghost with dedication, loyalty and humility, and I hope I didn’t disappoint. To Bucs staff, all the different technical staff I have worked under for the past 16 years, Club management, supporters and my management company Professionalz from which my career is managed, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for being part of my journey and guiding me in my football life,” the statement read.

The Soweto giants Monday confirmed that the veteran defender would be leaving the club following the expiry of his contract.

RELATED STORY: Why Happy Jele was the heart and soul of Orlando Pirates

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