Orlando Pirates skipper impressed by new signings

Happy Jele of Orlando Pirates challenges Siphelele Mthembu of Free State Stars during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars on12 May 2018 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Aug 04, 2018. 12:00

Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has expressed his satisfaction with their new signings ahead of the 2018/19 season and wants to help them settle in at the club.

The Buccaneers have been very active in the transfer market, signing the likes of Brilliant Khuzwayo, Ben Motshwari, Asavela Mbekile, Abel Mabaso, Kuda Mahachi, Vincent Pule, Paseka Mako, Meshack Maphangule and Linda Mntambo despite already boasting a strong squad.

“The team has signed good players. They are going to help the team going forward and for us we just have to push them and make sure they do not have any pressure,” Jele is quoted by Kick Off in regards to the club’s acquisitions.

“They must be calm, because they need to perform for the team. Pirates is a big team and there’s always pressure, but we as senior players have to make sure that they are calm so that they can enjoy their football.”

Pirates will open their Absa Premiership campaign with a clash against promoted side Highlands Park at the Orlando Stadium tonight, and Jele has called for a big crowd at their Soweto base.

“For us it’s important, the game will show how ready we are in terms of the new season,” said the Bucs skipper.

“It will motivate each and everyone, to say that this season we have to perform. We want our supporters to come more to the stadium, so if they come we have to perform very well.”