Former Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele says he’s not interested to talk about the Soweto Derby and only focussed on his new club Royal AM.
Jele was without a club after leaving Orlando Pirates at end of last season, having won everything on offer domestically with Bucs but was unlucky to be on the losing sides in the CAF Champions League and two CAF Confederations Cup finals.
At the moment, Jele is serving a suspension of two matches that was carried over by the league despite having not played for nine months.
He was sent off in his last game for Pirates against SuperSport United in May last season and that ban was carried over as soon he was registered by Royal AM.
He will miss Royal AM’s clash against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (20:00), in what will be his last suspension.
Jele’s debut for Royal AM is set to be against Sekhukhune United on 4 March at Chatsworth Stadium.
“That’s why I’m here, there is still a desire to play,” said Jele, who made over 400 appearances for Pirates.
“My former team offered me [a non-playing] role and I told myself that I still need more years of playing because I can see my body can handle the load.
“Obviously Royal AM came on board and here I am. I’m here, I want to contribute to the team.”
His former club Pirates will face Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:30), looking to end their losing streak, having lost the last four league derbies to Amakhosi.
However, Jele, who featured in 29 derbies and scored one goal, was not interested to talk about the biggest game in SA football calendar.
“I can’t comment, I’m not there,” he said.
“I play for Royal AM now and you must respect this team. Don’t tell me about the Derby that I don’t know.”
