Happy Jele has penned a heartfelt message to Orlando Pirates while explaining why he turned down the club's new offer following the Soweto giants' announcement that he will leave the club after 16 years.
The lanky defender's contract expired at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and Pirates presented several job options available to Jele in a non-playing capacity.
However, the 35-year-old stated his desire to continue playing, an option that was not on the table.
Jele walks through the exit door at Pirates as a legend with eight trophies, 400 appearances to his name, and 18 goals.
View Jele's career in images:
On Monday evening, the long-serving defender shared his farewell message on Instagram.
"Firstly, 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.
"When the chairman 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 hung 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 of playing before I call it quits or even making my way back to the Ghost, but time will tell.
"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. No one can predict the future, but hopefully, I will be back to The Club one day in a different capacity.
"I wish Orlando Pirates FC, fans, supporters, management, and the members of the 2022/23 squad all the best in their future endeavours. Once and always a buccaneer.
How does Mzansi feel about Happy Jele and Orlando Pirates parting ways? Find out by listening in the podcast player below!
