Hlatshwayo Reacts To Jele’s Departure From Pirates

SuperSport United newly signed defender Thulani Hlatshwayo has shared his reaction to the exit of Happy Jele from Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers shockingly confirmed the departure of Jele who has served the club for 16 years since joining in 2006 as a lad.

Now, Hlatshwayo who also left the club last month after spending just two seasons with them says it’s “sad” to see Jele leaving after so much loyalty he’s shown while at the club. “To be honest, obviously I’m talking me as an outsider now, because that’s the history now I’m looking to the future,” Hlatshwayo told iDiski Times.

“And for me, I think he has served the team so well, and I’ve said it earlier before that, I don’t think there’s any other player that will surpass what he has done in one team, he’s been a one-man team. Even though Itu is still at Chiefs also, you know what Happy has done under all the leadership that he played with your Lucky Lekgwathi, Sangweni, and everyone.

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“I’ve seen it, I’ve witnessed it. Whenever he was around and also for me when I got there, my first game being a captain, he would guide me, there was nothing, grudges or anything, just to make sure that I feel comfortable around the team. And I know a lot of players have been disappointed especially youngsters at the team, and it’s sad, it’s sad man, it’s sad to see Happy leaving the way he has at Orlando Pirates.

“The name loyalty will be mentioned a lot. And according to him, yes, I know what kind of a player he is. I hear that he was offered a job, but we don’t know what kind of role he was going to play. But unfortunately, Happy still wanted to play and he still sees himself playing.”

WHY HLATSHWAYO LEFT PIRATES?

Hlatshwayo says leaving Pirates gave him much-needed relief after going through a rough patch. Seeking more game time was the main reason for him to depart.

“I’m very relieved after leaving Pirates and joining SuperSport. It was a tough period for me, especially after the game against (Kaizer) Chiefs. I never started after that and I feel like I should have got more opportunities,” he said on SA FM.

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“I actually started to doubt myself and it wasn’t good for my confidence. But it was my decision to leave, I needed to play. I’m not used to not getting game time,” he explained.

“I’m happy to be reunited with Gavin, he’s a coach that knows me very well and I will bring a lot of experience. It was an easy decision because I had no offers at the time.”