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Happy Jele lined up for managerial role at Orlando Pirates

Jele is a one-club man having only donned the black and white of Pirates since arriving from amateur club Walter Stars in 2006.

The defender made his first-team debut as a teenager in the same year and has overtaken Williams Okpara as the club's record appearances maker.

Doctor Khumalo & Ace Khuse – Kaizer Chiefs (2002-0
Doctor Khumalo & Ace Khuse – Kaizer Chiefs (2002-03)
Steve Komphela – Free State Stars (2008-09 & 2010-
Steve Komphela – Free State Stars (2008-09 & 2010-13) & Kaizer Chiefs (2015-18)
Pitso Mosimane – Mamelodi Sundowns (2012-2020)
Pitso Mosimane – Mamelodi Sundowns (2012-2020)
Kaitano Tembo – SuperSport United (2014, interim &
Kaitano Tembo – SuperSport United (2014, interim & 2018-22)
Lehlohonolo Seema – Bloemfontein Celtic (2016-17 &
Lehlohonolo Seema – Bloemfontein Celtic (2016-17 & 2018-20)
Kurt Lentjies – Chippa United (2021-present)
Kurt Lentjies – Chippa United (2021-present)
Fadlu Davids – Maritzburg United (2017-18)
Fadlu Davids – Maritzburg United (2017-18)
Gavin Hunt – Hellenic (1998-01)
Gavin Hunt – Hellenic (1998-01)
Neil Tovey – AmaZulu (2001-02 & 2009-10)
Neil Tovey – AmaZulu (2001-02 & 2009-10)
Scroll through the gallery to see 10 ex PSL player
Scroll through the gallery to see 10 ex PSL players who returned to coach their former teams

During his decorated career, Jele has lifted two league titles, two Nedbank Cup winners' medals, a Telkom Knockout and three MTN8 titles while adding silver medals in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Ahead of his seventeenth season at the club, a managerial role is reportedly being lined up even though he played 33 games and scored four goals last season.

Jele's current contract expires at the end of June with the option of an additional year.

The offer of a non-playing position has no date attached to it and will become available for Jele when he decides to call time on his playing career.

This means he can take up the option to stop playing right away and continue with the club or use the next season as part of his integration into the role while still serving as a player.

Jele turns 36 on his next birthday and has earned the respect of both players and fans for the way he has served the club.

Pirates have already parted ways with other centre-back options in Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Kwanda Mngonyama and Justice Chabalala while bringing in Thapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

The Buccaneers additionally have the multi-functional pair of Olisa Ndah and Innocent Maela as further options in the heart of defence.

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