EXCLUSIVE: Pirates sign the next Happy Jele

Orlando Pirates have gone back to their breeding ground, Middelburg in Mpumalanga, to find the next Happy Jele... and he is hailed as a gem!

The Sea Robbers have signed a highly-rated teenage sensation, Dimpho "Khalabemgeza" Madalane, following his impressive performance in the recently played Pirates Cup.

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Madalane was the best player in the tournament, which was played in March.

It is not clear how many years the high school learner has signed for, but rumors suggest it might be a lengthy contract.

Madalane, who is currently on the books of Middelburg-based Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League side Madubaduba FC, will first ply his trade in the Pirates DStv Diski Challenge team for at least a season before being considered for the first team.

He is the second player after Jele to come from Middelburg to join the Soweto giants.

He will leave for Johannesburg in June, where the club has arranged a new school for him.

According to December Majola, who nurtured the boy's talent into what it is today, the Buccaneers have found themselves another gem in Madalane.

Majola will always be credited with developing the likes of Jele, Mandla Masango and Sibusiso Mbonani.

"Madalane is a full-back, but he is versatile, he can play anywhere the coach prefers him," Majola tells KickOff.

"He's got the sweetest left foot you've seen in South African football in a long time. Pirates have found themselves a gem here."

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Like Jele, Madalane come from Mhluzi near Middelburg, the very same township where the former Pirates captain hails from.

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