Orlando Pirates have confirmed that captain Happy Jele has signed a new one-year deal, keeping him at the club for another season.

Jele’s previous deal came to an end in June but the defender has been preparing with the rest of the Pirates squad for the upcoming season.

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After discussions between the player and the club earlier this week, the Soweto giants announced that their long-serving defender has extended his stay at the Buccaneers in a statement on their website.

‘Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that captain Happy Jele has signed on the dotted line to extend his stay on board the Buccaneers ship for another season,’ read the club statement.

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‘The deal was concluded after a brief meeting between the player and club management on Tuesday.

‘Jele will be celebrating his 12th season as an Orlando Pirates player when the 2018-19 season kicks off this weekend.’

The 31-year-old, who was honoured with the Chairman’s Award at the club’s prizegiving last month, is the longest serving member in the Pirates squad and will be looking to guide the club to victory in their Absa Premiership opener against Highlands Park.

Pirates will host the Lions of the North on Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.

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Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix