DStv Premiership

Jele reveals he never met Pirates’ new coach

Veteran defender Happy Jele has revealed that he never met the new Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro.

This is after the 35-year-old parted ways with the Sea Robbers after a 16-year marriage.

Pirates confirmed that their long-serving captain was offered various job options but expressed his desire to continue playing football.

“I have never met with the new coach,” said Jele in an interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide on Tuesday.

“When my contract finished, that’s when we started with our talks with the chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.

“Maybe he knows my video clips but we have never met. Not even once, none. it’s been three or four weeks now if I’m not mistaken.”

Ever since joining the Soweto giants, he made over 400 appearances, scoring 18 goals and winning eight trophies in the process.

The newly appointed Buccaneers Spaniard mentor penned a three-year deal with the side.

He will be assisted by Sergio Almenara and Mandla Ncikazi. Miguel Bellver Esteve as Fitness Trainer and Tyron Damons as Goalkeeper Coach.

Riveiro was an ex-Celta Vigo juniors manager before going to manage clubs like FC Honka, PK-35 Vantaa, HJK Helsinki and most recently FC Inter, all clubs that ply their trade in Finland.

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

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