By Michael Madyira
Royal AM have moved in to plug their leaky defence by signing ex-Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele.
The KwaZulu-Natal side has a poor record of defence, having conceding 26 goals in 18 Premier Soccer League games this season.
It is the second-highest number of goals shipped in the current campaign, as Golden Arrows have the worst record after conceding 28 times.
Having managed to score 19 goals, Royal AM’s poor defence has been attributed to their difficult run of form, which has left them with six points better than basement side Marumo Gallants.
But they have now turned to experienced Jele in a bid to try to fix their problematic rearguard.
“We are excited to have you around. Welcome aboard, Happy Jele,” Royal AM announced on Friday.
Also, the return of coach John Maduka is expected to assist the club to take a new direction after the former Malawi captain helped them to a top three finish last season.
At 36, Jele is expected to form a steely central defence partnership with another veteran centre-back, Ricardo Nascimento.
This season, ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star Nascimento has mostly partnered Philani Cele at the heart of defence, while Thabo Matlaba is a regular at left-back with Tshepo Rikhotso on the right side of the backline.
In their last two games, Thwihli Thwahla had Mlungisi Sikakane fielded alongside Nascimento, but they still conceded three goals.
The arrival of Jele has offered hopes for an improved defence that has been marshalled by Nascimento, who turns 36 on February 7 and has not shown any sign of having tired legs.
But after spending the first half of the season clubless, Jele might need a bit of time to regain match fitness.
He became Royal AM’s third mid-season signing after another former Pirates star, Mthokhozisi Dube, and midfielder Sibusiso Magaqa from AmaZulu.
Dube will be challenging Rikhotso for the right-back role.
Interestingly, Royal AM became the only other club Jele has signed for in his professional career. He spent 16 seasons at Pirates, where he arrived as a 19-year-old in 2006 before racking up more than 400 appearances.
As he works on his match fitness, chances are slim that he will feature against Golden Arrows on Saturday.
Pictured above: Happy Jele
Image source: Royal AM
