A heartfelt message has been sent for Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele by his former teammate Lizo Mjempu.
Magents, as Jele is known in football circles, is celebrating 14 years of loyal service to the Buccaneers this year.
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In his message to the 33-year-old veteran defender, Mjempu lauded the Middeburg-born player for his leadership role at the Soweto giants.
“Happy is a true gentleman and there is no doubt about that. During my time at Pirates I didn’t play much, but Happy always showed me respect. He would still take advice from me and never looked down on me. He was never a player with an attitude. He was always humble. I’m very happy for him and I wish Pirates can honour him after his football career,” said Mjempu.
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“But I still believe that he’s got three more years in his feet to continue playing. He’s such a gentleman on and off the field and a leader. He’s always been like that, and even in training he is always in the front. A hard worker who’s always putting an extra effort to what he does, and doing so with a smile – that’s Happy Jele for you. I’m blessed to have crossed paths with him in my life and career. He and Mark Mayambela welcomed me very well when I joined Pirates and we have been close since. I take them as my brothers,” added the ex-Ajax Cape Town star.