Cape Town - Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele will not be leaving the Absa Premiership giants anytime soon according to his agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane.

Jele, 31, has been linked with an exit from Mayfair since struggling to break his way back into the starting XI this season after suffering an injury earlier in the campaign.

With only five starts to his name, the Buccaneers academy graduate, who has amassed 245 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2006, is ready to fight for his place.

"Jele is one of the longest-serving players having played for Pirates for over 10 years," Mahlakgane told the IOL website.

"Pirates have an option on his contract and if they were not going to exercise that option they would have told us by now.

"They respect the player and I don’t think they will wait for the last minute and say they are not exercising the option.

"So, I think he will stay at Pirates."

Pirates take on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld in their next outing on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 15:30.