Jele says Bucs match against Al Ahly on Saturday presents them with the opportunity to realise a dream they have had since the start of the competition at the beginning of the year.
The 26-year-old defender reveals that when they got their continental campaign off the mark way back in February they had aspirations of reaching the Final and now that they have done so they have to win it.
“From the first game that we had in this competition we had a dream of getting to the Final and now that we are in the Final it is up to us to win it,” Jele says.
Jele – who is captaining the team in the absence of Lucky Lekgwathi and the injured Siyabonga Sangweni – says he is enjoying leading the team, and says the cherry on top would be to lift Africa’s number one club trophy.
“[Being captain] is a challenge for me but one that I am enjoying. I have to admit I am learning a lot. I am even learning from other players in the team who have been captains before.
“For me, everyone in the team is a captain and I am just the one wearing the armband. I am glad that all my teammates are showing their qualities on the field, which allows me to enjoy the responsibilities that come with being a captain.”
The lanky defender says Pirates are revelling in performing in a top class tournament, and adds that the rough ride they have had on the continent has brought them together.
“We like to play in the big games because as players we like to show what we are capable of doing on the big stage. [Reaching the Final] is what we want and it’s what we live for. This is now about the nation so we need all the support that we can get.
“I think we are now more united and more committed in everything that we do as a team now. The more games we have played the more we have become confident, united and disciplined through everything.
“It is the kind of unity that we have every day and that also grows with each passing game that we play. However, I have to admit that when we play outside the country that is when we get to gel and be more united because of the difficult challenges we face there.”
