Back to the International Newsfeed

Orlando Pirates have more centre-back options - Zinnbauer explains Jele snub

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has justified dropping Happy Jele in previous matches, before picking him for Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch, saying he selects his twin centre-backs according to the opponents his team is facing.

Jele came on as a late substitute in the 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Cape Town City, before being overlooked for the league opener against AmaZulu.

In Jele’s absence, Zinnbauer preferred Thulani Hlatshwayo and Ntsikelelo Nyauza as the central defence pairing.

Editors' Picks

But on Wednesday at home, Hlatshwayo was at the heart of defence with Jele, while Nyauza operated as a right-back.