Jele still eyes Bafana spot
Pirates star tells of his hopes and dreams
HAPPY Jele should be aggrieved. As one of the most consistent players in the league, the Orlando Pirates’ defender has been overlooked by Bafana Bafana coaches.
But he remains optimistic he will represent his country regularly.
How Tshepo Gumede was selected for the Bafana Bafana’s recent matches against Gabon and Angola after Tefu Mashamaite pulled out of the team is mind-boggling.
Take nothing away from Gumede. He is a talented central defender with a bright future, but he has spent a lot of time since leaving Platinum Stars for Pirates in January on the bench or in the stands nursing injuries.
Jele, though, was one of Pirates’ best players in the 2014-2015 campaign and the right back was very happy to fill in at centre back whenever either Rooi Mahamutsa or Siyabonga Sangweni was absent.
Jele, who has three Bafana caps, is just like Thabo Mooki, Jimmy Tau, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Mashamaite and Daine Klate in being overlooked many times for Bafana despite being consistent at club level.
Klate was overlooked by Carlos Parreira for the 2010 World Cup even though he was named PSL player of the season for the 2009-2010 campaign while at SuperSport United.
“Everyday I keep telling myself that I need to work harder,” the 28-year-old Jele said.
“I think I am doing well, but obviously the coach [Shakes Mashaba] has his own team.
“He knows which players he wants in the team and he has his own philosophy.
“I just have to work harder so that he can select me one day. I wish one day I get a chance. It’s sad when you see players doing well at their teams but they do not get to play for the national team. And you wish that they can get a chance.”
With his experience on the continent, playing in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup, Jele feels he can play a key role in the senior national team.
Pirates are back in training to prepare for next week’s Confederation Cup group stages match against AC Leopards.
Meanwhile, new Bloemfontein Celtic signing Phalane Lantshene, renowned as a hard-working midfielder, says he is more than happy to join the club his mother supports.
Signed from Moroka Swallows on a three-year contract last week, Lantshene is set to join his new teammates for pre-season training this week after a good campaign in the holding midfield role for the relegated Dube Birds.
The 25-year-old, who was signed along with Swallows’ teammate Vuyisile Wana, is joining a Celtic side that is determined to challenge for titles.
Celtic have also signed Thabang Matuka, Geoffrey Massa and Camildine Abraw in a bid to improve on the past season’s fifth place in the league. “Celtic have been keen from January so I just told myself that I should go there. My mother supports the team, but that’s not the reason I decided to join them.
“I think Celtic are a good team and it’s a good move for me. I can build a good profile there. I am looking forward to the challenge at my new team.”
He said: “I am also happy that Wana has signed for Celtic. We were roommates at Swallows.
“He is from that side [the Free State], so it will be easier for me to settle in. People say these players relegated Swallows, but we can do the job for Celtic.”
Lantshene, a former Baroka FC captain, finally got a chance to play regularly at Swallows after disappointing spells at Platinum Stars and University of Pretoria.
-Tshepang Mailwane
