The Buccaneers have not won a major competition since winning the Nedbank Cup in 2014 and Jele, who has won every domestic trophy with the Soweto giants, misses the feeling that comes with walking on the podium to collect a gold medal and a trophy.
Their MTN8 campaign will begin against SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on August 11 (20h30).
Pirates, who finished second in the Absa Premiership last season, last won the MTN8 in 2011 and will be looking to become the first team to win the competition, under the name MTN, for a third time.
“For us it’s important [to win a trophy]. Pirates is a big brand it has been a while since we won silverware. This is going to motivate everyone in the team for the coming season,” Jele said at the launch of this year’s MTN8.
“We just have to perform very well and get this trophy.”
Pirates travelled to Zambia for pre-season, and played a number of friendlies at home to prepare for the new campaign. Jele feels they are ready for what’s sure to be a demanding season.
“Pre-season has been good. Everyone has put in effort and the new guys are doing well with the team. Everyone wants to do well for the team, so I believe so far so good.”
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