Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele remains determined to continue his football career despite being without a club since departing Royal AM in June last year.
The 37-year-old defender, who made only four appearances for Thwihli Thwahla, has not given up hope of finding a new team to showcase his skills on the pitch.
Speculation had arisen that Jele might retire and take up an ambassadorial role at his former club, Orlando Pirates.
Speculation had arisen that Jele might retire and take up an ambassadorial role at his former club, Orlando Pirates.
However, sources close to the player have indicated that Jele is eager to prolong his playing career and believes he still has the ability to compete at a high level.
"Happy believes he still has a season or two left in him so he's not hanging up his boots anytime soon. Age might not be on his side, but he believes that he can still compete at the highest level," stated the source.
While there were discussions about a potential role at Orlando Pirates following his departure from Royal AM, it appears that the opportunity is no longer available.
"Happy believes he still has a season or two left in him so he's not hanging up his boots anytime soon. Age might not be on his side, but he believes that he can still compete at the highest level," stated the source.
While there were discussions about a potential role at Orlando Pirates following his departure from Royal AM, it appears that the opportunity is no longer available.
The source revealed, "He (Happy) should have taken it when it was offered to him, but I think he got some advice somewhere to continue and look where he is now."
Having amassed over 400 appearances for Orlando Pirates since joining the club in 2006, Jele's experience and leadership on the field have been invaluable throughout his career.
Having amassed over 400 appearances for Orlando Pirates since joining the club in 2006, Jele's experience and leadership on the field have been invaluable throughout his career.