Happy Jele’s long-awaited return to topflight football has been delayed due to an offence committed while he was still with Orlando Pirates. The 36-year-old former Pirates captain had signed with Royal AM on Friday morning, however, he will not be immediately available for John Maduka’s side as he will be serving a two-match suspension.
Jele was red carded in Bucs’ final match of last season against SuperSport United, and according to SAFA rules, any period of suspension that remains outstanding at the end of a season must be served at the commencement of the following season. The onus is on the player and team official to keep accurate records of “red card” and “ordered off” offences and to ensure that the player or team official immediately serves the periods of suspension set out.
